A day in Alagna
Itinerary A day in…
alagna the pearl of tourism in valsesia
One-day itinerary to discover Alagna Valsesia, an Alpine village on the slopes of Mount Rosa where you can discover culture and age-old traditions amidst authentic nature and breathtaking views
the twin stones
The state road connecting Vercelli to Valsesia is dotted with enchanting alpine villages and, continuing north-westwards, the very last one encountered is Alagna Valsesia.
It is said that a large stone once rolled down the mountainside. On impact with the valley floor, it split into two equal parts that stood face to face. According to tradition, these are the “twin stones”, which you see between the state road and the Sesia river, a little less than halfway between Riva Valdobbia and Alagna. They gave the name to the community that until 1475 comprised the entire territory of Riva Valdobbia and Alagna. After a long period of independence, the two municipalities united again on 1 January 2019. And the city itinerary starts precisely from the charming town of Riva Valdobbia. A word of advice: a few kilometres before entering Riva Valdobbia, don’t miss the amazing scenic view of the majestic south-east face of Mount Rosa. It certainly deserves a souvenir picture!
At the centre of this pretty village, beautifully framed by the Valsesian mountains, stands the imposing parish church of St. Michael the Archangel. The gaze is instantly drawn to the striking fresco on the façade, depicting the Last Judgement in the Nordic style. It is generally attributed to Melchiorre d’Enrico, younger brother of the better-known Tanzio da Varallo. The church is considered a national monument not only for the grandiose fresco on the façade, but also for the works of sacred art that are preserved inside, testifying to the important artistic tradition that has characterised the culture of Valsesia for centuries.
Before proceeding to Alagna, stroll through the historical alleyways of Riva Valdobbia and turn your gaze towards the snow-capped peaks of the Alps: it will be an unforgettable experience!
in the footsteps of the Walser population
Alagna Valsesia is an enchanting village. Walking through the ancient streets of the historic city centre to discover the history of this place offers timeless feelings. Walking along the central via dei Walser, you breathe in an atmosphere that smells of ancient traditions. The small, picturesque hamlet is dotted with the typical dwellings of the Walser people, houses built of wood and stone that make Alagna a genuine historical and cultural gem.
Not far away, the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist dominates the village square, and its bell tower soars over the surrounding alpine landscape.
The itinerary continues to the hamlets of the village, which are rich in historical testimonies of great value. Indeed, there are two museums that can be visited, dedicated to Walser culture: one is located in the hamlet of Pedemonte and the other in the hamlet of Rabernardo.
The Walser Museum in Pedemonte and the Walser Museum in Rabernardo are two wonderful places to learn about the simple and genuine life of the valley people, on a journey out of time. The museums, set up in genuine Walser dwellings restored to their original characteristics, preserve objects of everyday life and faithfully reproduce the rooms that were once used as part of the domestic life of the Walser people.
Strolling through the hamlets of Alagna always offers unique views, such as flower-filled balconies, stone fountains, bread ovens, sawmills and mills, an impressive historical heritage that can be experienced in the midst of a unique view of Mount Rosa.
sports and outdoor activities
Unspoilt nature, evocative landscapes that take your breath away, pleasant valleys furrowed by crystal-clear streams in a silence that is at times almost unreal; places that retain the traits of art, architecture and local tradition. It is in this unique environment that Alagna Valsesia welcomes visitors.
Alagna is also and above all the byword for sports and outdoor activities, a true paradise for those who love active outdoor holidays. The area offers many trekking and MTB itineraries for all levels, winding through forests, historic villages, mountain lakes and alpine pastures close to the majestic Mount Rosa massif. And then again paragliding, river sports, climbing and several via ferrata: discover all the summer sports to practice in Alagna and the surrounding area!
In winter, Alagna Valsesia and the Monterosa Ski area offer ski and freeride enthusiasts countless adrenaline-filled slopes with varying degrees of difficulty where fun is guaranteed. Alagna rises at an altitude of 1,200 m and is known throughout the world as the Freeride Paradise. Here, the skilled skier can embark on thrilling descents on untouched snow in a breathtaking setting.
A day of sports and exercise is sure to work up an appetite, and while sometimes a miaccia, a typical crispy wafer to be stuffed sweet or savoury, is enough to appease the hunger, at other times a tasty polenta concia or a delicious plate of risotto alla toma cheese is much needed. Alagna guarantees a memorable food and wine experience!
Chiesa di San Michele
Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
Pedemonte
Rabernardo
Rifugio Pastore
Rifugio Barbaferrero
How to get to ALAGNA
BY HIGHWAY
From Milan: A4 Milan-Turin exit Agognate or junction A26 at Biandrate, direction Gravellona Toce to Romagnano-Ghemme.
From Turin: exit Greggio or junction A26 at Biandrate, direction Gravellona Toce to Romagnano-Ghemme.
From Vercelli: A26 Genova-Gravellona Toce, exit Romagnano-Ghemme. From Romagnano Sesia follow SP 299 to Varallo-Alagna Valsesia.
BY BUS
A daily bus service connects Varallo to Milano, Torino, Vercelli, Novara. Discover how to get to Varallo and Alagna.
Plan your holiday
Where to eat, where to sleep, how to get around: plan your trip to Valsesia and Vercelli!
