Camellia and Spring Flower Exhibition

The camellia festival on Lake Orta

The Camellia and Spring Flower Exhibition is one of the most beloved spring events in the Cusio area. It takes place in Gozzano, a charming town overlooking the southern shore of Lake Orta, in the province of Novara and the heart of Piedmont. For nearly forty years, the event has transformed the state rooms of Palazzo Ferrari Ardicini, the town hall, and its park into a flowering garden where the camellia, a symbol of the lakes and spring, is the absolute star.

A territory devoted to the camellia

The mild and gentle microclimate that characterizes Lake Orta and the nearby Lake Maggiore makes these territories particularly well-suited for the cultivation of the camellia, an acidophilic plant that finds ideal conditions here. Historic villas and parks overlooking the two lakes house precious collections, and it is from these very gardens that many of the exhibited blooms originate. The Gozzano exhibition was created to enhance this botanical heritage and the culture of greenery that has accompanied lakeside families for generations.

The exhibition sections

The exhibition is traditionally divided into several sections that allow visitors to discover the camellia from every angle:

• Cut flowers: a review of camellia varieties collected from the most beautiful parks of Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore;
• Arrangements: floral displays featuring camellias and other spring flowers, open to participation by all;
• Potted plants: stands from nurserymen and florists with specimens available for purchase.

To make the experience even richer, the event is accompanied by photography and painting exhibitions, musical moments, and initiatives dedicated to local schools.

More than just a flower show

Over the years, the Camellia Exhibition has become a true cultural event for Gozzano and the entire Cusio region. Recent editions have featured workshops for children, eco-friendly bike rides through the town streets, concerts in the municipal villa courtyard, and in-depth sessions on camellia nomenclature in collaboration with experts from the International Camellia Society. It is the perfect opportunity to combine a walk on Lake Orta with the discovery of a unique botanical tradition in Piedmont.