Cannobio is a resort town on the Lago Maggiore, which dates back to the times of Ancient Rome – this is evidenced by the discovered sarcophagi 2nd 3rd centuries BC, is now kept in the local Palazzo della Ragione.

The first documentary mention of Cannobio refers to 909-th year. In the Middle ages the city was a center for the production of wool and tanned skin. In 1207, the year Cannobio received the status of administrative autonomy, and at the end of the 13th century there was built above the Palazzo della Ragione.

In 1522, the year in the city suddenly started to bleed icon of the blessed virgin Mary, and soon after broke out in a terrible epidemic of plague, which devastated coastal towns and villages. Only by some miracle Cannobio and its residents remained safe and sound. Religious leaders saw it as the Providence of the Lord, and cardinal Charles Borromeo ordered to build a chapel, in which to this day is kept the same icon of the virgin Mary. This event is dedicated to and other Church Cannobio - Santuario della pietà.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the economy Cannobio flourished. Residential building "stepped" across the boundary of the medieval city centre and reached the coast of the lake. When it was built some large estates, including the Palazzo Machine and Palazzo pironi.

In 1863 opened a road linking Cannobio with Switzerland, triggering a new round of economic development in the city there were numerous factories and plants. And during the Second World war the inhabitants of Cannobio revolted against the fascist regime and announced the establishment of the Republic of Ossola, which, however, lasted only six days – from 2 to 9 September 1944.

Today Cannobio is a popular tourist resort with many attractions. One of them is the Church of San Vittore, built in the 11th century and rebuilt in 1733-1749-m years. Its bell tower dates from the 13th century. A huge area, located on the promenade, and bearing the name of king Victor Emmanuel III, in 2003-2004-m years was restored. It was re-paved with cobblestones and granite slabs and made wide steps leading to the lake. Were also updated some of the historical buildings of the old part of the city.

In the Northern part of Cannobio is a wide sandy beach, awarded the European Blue Flag for its cleanliness and infrastructure.