01
PROTECTED
AREAS IN VALSESIA
PARKS AND NATURE RESERVES IN Valsesia
A treasure trove of nature and Alpine wonder: explore the beauty hidden in Valsesia at the foot of Mount Rosa.
HIGH VALSESIA NATURE PARK
Established in 1979, it extends from 880 m at Fobello to the 4,559 m of the Gnifetti Summit, making it the highest protected area in Europe. Taking into account the considerable altitude difference, the Park is home to very different natural environments with a considerable diversity of flora and fauna. With a surface area of about 6,500 hectares, the park stretches over the heads of Valsesia, of the Sermenza Valley and of the Mastallone Valley. Numerous footpaths, such as the spectacular Bors Glaciological Trail, cross the park, offering unique landscapes and scenic views. For more information on the protected areas, visit the Carcoforo Natural History Museum and the Fum Bitz Alpine Pasture’s Visitor Centre (Alagna Valsesia).
Sesia Val Grande Geopark
The Geopark, recognised in 2015 as a UNESCO Global Geopark, stretches between Valsesia and the Val Grande National Park. The geological importance of this area is linked to the formation process of the Alps, which deformed the earth’s crust to such an extent that the deepest parts of it have emerged. One of the most spectacular sections of the earth’s crust is located here, within which you can even see the feeding system of a fossil super volcano, the Sesia Super Volcano. In the Valsesia area, the most interesting geosites are located in the municipalities of Borgosesia, Varallo, Balmuccia and Scopa, while a permanent exhibition has been set up at the “Carlo Conti” Museum of Archaeology and Palaeontology in Borgosesia.
MOUNT FENERA NATURE PARK
Mount Fenera rises above the hills of Lower Valsesia. It became a Nature Park in 1987. An important sedimentary complex in Valsesia, its western part presents numerous karstic caves with spectacular formations of stalagmites and stalactites. Discoveries of great archaeological and palaeontological importance have been made over the years. Traces of the Neanderthal man, the Cave Bear and Merk rhinoceros have been found. A good network of footpaths allows you to walk through beautiful forests and reach the mountain’s summit at 899 m to enjoy the awe-inspiring landscape.
SACRO MONTE DI VARALLO SPECIAL RESERVE
Situated on the summit of a rocky peak overlooking Varallo, the oldest Sacro Monte in Piedmont consists of 44 chapels and a Basilica. The chapels, charmingly set in the vegetation of a nature park, are partly isolated and partly linked to solemn monumental complexes. They are populated by more than 800 life-size wooden and polychrome terracotta statues depicting the life, passion and death of Christ.
The Sacro Monte of Varallo has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2003.
SESIA VALLEY PROTECTED AREAS MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
SESIA VAL GRANDE GEOPARK
SACRO MONTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
Plan your holiday
Where to eat, where to sleep, how to get around: plan your trip to Valsesia and Vercelli!
