Villages and towns

alagna valsesia- im land

Alagna Valsesia lies at the foot of the Mount Rosa massif, at an altitude of 1,154 m, and is included in the High Valsesia Nature Park area. Formerly called Im Land in the Titzch dialect, it dates back to 1200 when some communities of German origin, the Walser people, settled in the area. Alagna consists of several villages attached to the city centre and, as of 1 January 2019, incorporated the neighbouring municipality of Riva Valdobbia.

 Five side valleys branch off from the valley floor, where the village is located: The Otro Valley, with its characteristic, perfectly preserved Walser villages; the Olen Valley, traversed by the ancient mule track leading to Gressoney-La-Trinité; the Bors Valley, which includes rich alpine pastures that belonged to the Counts of Biandrate in the Middle Ages; and the Mud Valley, characterised by the profile of Mount Tagliaferro and traversed by the mule track leading to Rima in the Sermenza Valley.

A PARADISE FOR SPORTSMEN

The Mount Rosa massif, which beautifully frames Alagna and, at 4,634 m, is the second highest mountain in Italy. It offers countless alternatives for all outdoor enthusiasts. In winter, Alagna is a favourite destination for ski and freeride enthusiasts who, in the Monterosa Ski District, can discover 180 km of slopes with adrenaline-fuelled descents all the way to Gressoney and Champoluc in the Aosta Valley. 

In summer, the area is transformed into a paradise for those who love sports and authentic nature: trekking, mountain bike trails, climbing and paragliding are just some of the activities you can try in Alagna.

Breathtaking views and a large variety of flora and fauna can be admired in the High Valsesia Nature Park. Established in 1979, at the Fum Bitz alpine pasture, at an altitude of 1,603 m, features a visitor centre with annexed high altitude botanical garden.

THE TOWN OF RIVA VALDOBBIA

Riva Valdobbia, nestled in the Valsesian mountains and located on the right orographic bank of the Sesia river, is an interesting tourist resort that offers visitors, just a few kilometres before entering the town, a majestic view of the south-east face of Mount Rosa.

A small village of Walser origins, it houses the Rabenardo Ethnographic Museum established by the Locca family in a typical Walser dwelling.

Valsesia and Riva Valdobbia were merged into a single area called “Twin Stones” and, as of 1 January 2019, the two municipalities are merged again.

Riva Valdobbia is surrounded by numerous hamlets that offer glimpses of the history and culture associated with mountain living: Balma, Boccorio, Buzzo, Cà di Janzo, Cambiaveto, Cà Morca, Cà Piacentino, Cà Verno, Cà Vescovo, Gabbio, Isolello, La Montata, Oro, Peccia, Piana Fuseria, Piane, Rabernardo, Sant’Antonio and Selveglio.

THE VOGNA VALLEY

From Riva Valdobbia, which offers a postcard-perfect view of Mount Rosa, you can set out to explore Val Vogna by following the “Via Regia”, an ancient communication route with the Aosta Valley. Used by markets and migrants, it passes through enchanting hamlets to Colle Valdobbia where the historic Sottile Hospice, built in 1823 by Canon Sottile, is located. The particularly wild Vogna Valley, narrow and wedged between mountains, is dotted with beautiful Walser villages and numerous small oratories of considerable historical and cultural importance.

Food and wine enthusiasts should head for the unspoilt Maccagno alpine pasture, where the namesake cheese, Toma Maccagno (PDO), one of the most renowned cheeses in all of Valsesia and a slow food presidium, is produced.

THE TOWN OF MOLLIA AND ITS HAMLETS

The pretty town of Mollia achieved independence from the town of Campertogno in 1722. It is made up of small clusters of houses that stand close to the mountains.

After a visit to the parish church of St. John the Baptist, flanked by a portico beautifully frescoed with images of the Stations of the Cross, the old Fucina Mill deserves a visit. It is one of the most interesting sites in the Valsesia Ecomuseum, and one of the few still visible examples of a “seventeenth-century factory

The town of Mollia has ten small hamlets surrounded by vegetation (Curgo, Otra Sesia, Casa Capietto, Piana Toni, Piana Viana, Casacce, Piana Fontana, Molino, Goreto and Grampa) and linked by pleasant paths that offer enchanting views. The circular tour of the hamlets of Mollia, a pleasant route around the village, is the ideal way to discover them all.

CAMPERTOGNO: BETWEEN ART AND NATURE

The town of Campertogno lies on the banks of the Sesia River, 815 m above sea level, and counts ten small hamlets: Quare, Villa, Piana, Pianella, Piana Ponte, Tetti, Piediriva, Carata, Otra and Rusa.

The town is dominated by the imposing parish church of St. James the Great, one of the most beautiful and ancient churches in Valsesia. Built on a previous late Gothic church, it treasures works of great value and precious ornaments by artists such as P. C. Gilardi and the Avondo Brothers. The church was enlarged in the 18th century following a project by Filippo Juvarra.

The town centre features an early 20th century multi-purpose theatre, which houses some impressive paintings dated 1933 and depicting the allegories of Family and Country.

From the town, which lies at the entrance to the Artogna Valley, you can follow several hiking trails, including the suggestive art trail from Campertogno to the Argnaccia alpine pasture, an itinerary studded with ancient chapels, shrines and oratories.

THE TOWN OF RASSA

The evocative environment provided by the narrow and elongated landscape endow the village of Rassa with typical traits and amazing views.

The Rassa valleys have been recognised as a Biotype of Regional Interest, and in 2006 the municipality was included in the list of Special Protection Areas.

In the small village, once rich in kilns and water-powered sawmills, you can visit the Brasei sawmill, a wonderful example of a still functioning water-powered sawmill, at the Rassa Wood Ecomuseum. 

The parish church of the Holy Cross, which was enlarged in the 17th century and finely frescoed by two local artists, Orgiazzi and Avondo, is also very interesting

THE TOWN OF PIODE

Developed astride the river Sesia, Piode is a small mountain village that rises 752 m above sea level. The name comes from the stone slabs used to cover the roofs, called “piode”, which were obtained from the shale quarries once present in the area.

The parish church dedicated to St. Stephen stands out in the historical village centre. Valuable frescoes and gilded wooden sculptures are preserved inside.

On the road to the Meggiana alpine pasture, you will find a place of great artistic interest, the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Large Stones, whose name apparently derives from the large boulders located nearby. The church is entirely built of stone, and the façade of the Sanctuary is frescoed with the image of Mary with the baby Jesus in her arms.

THE TOWN OF PILA

Its name is said to derive from the Latin “pila”, which refers to mountain gorges.

The historical village centre is characterised by many typical houses built in wood and stone, with loggias and pretty fireplaces. Pila has two hamlets: Lower Filungo and Micciolo.

The medieval bridge near the village centre is particularly interesting. In the past it served to divide the French Empire and the Cisalpine Republic. The parish church of St. Peter, the church of St. Anthony and the oratory of St. Catherine are places of considerable artistic and cultural interest as they contain several frescoes dating back to the late 15th and 17th centuries.

THE TOWN OF SCOPELLO

Is the ideal place to spend a family holiday enjoying outdoor activities. It has an excellent range of accommodation facilities. The town offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities in any season, from trekking and water sports in summer to snowshoeing and skiing in winter.

In ancient times, it established itself as an important mining centre, where various metals from mines throughout the valley were processed. Today, the only evidence of the land-based complex is the tall chimney located in the Genziana area.

The parish church, built in the 16th century, is dedicated to St. Mary of the Assumption. Valuable wooden works of art and a Mascioni organ from the early 20th century can be found inside.

THE TOWN OF BALMUCCIA

The name Balmuccia derives from the Latin “piccola balma”. It is the village that opens the doors to the Sermenza Valley. 

In the centre of the village is the parish church of St. Margaret, built in the 16th century. Adjacent to the church is the Ossuary Chapel, decorated with pictures and striking frescoes.

In 1877, the society “Dilettanti filodrammatici di Balmuccia” (Dramatic amateurs of Balmuccia) started construction works on the Social Theatre, which was highly successful until after World War II with theatrical performances that witnessed a continuous increase in audience. Closed in the 1960s, it reopened in 2008 as a result of the local population’s interest.

THE TOWN OF CARCOFORO

Nestled between mountain peaks and beautifully set among larch woods, Carcoforo is a small village rich in history and culture.

The origin of the name is German, and goes back to the ancient settlements of the Walser people. This is confirmed by the characteristic stone and wood architecture in the town centre. Unfortunately, several buildings that were part of the old architectural heritage were swept away first by the flood of 1775 and then by a fire in 1863

Walking through the streets of the town, one can admire numerous sundials and small frescoes on the walls of the houses. One example is the beautiful fresco by Eugenio Rappa on Casa Cantore.

The parish church dedicated to the Holy Cross dates back to 1635 and is located in the centre of the square surrounded by old buildings. There are valuable and important works of art and furniture inside.

THE TOWN OF RIMA

The town of Rima has been part of the municipality of High Sermenza together with Rimasco since 2018. It is a small tourist resort, located in a green basin at the top of the Sermenza Valley, with much of the surrounding area protected by the High Valsesia Nature Park.

At an altitude of 1,417 m, Rima is the highest town in Valsesia, and boasts great historical and cultural importance. This small village nestled between the bare rocks of the mountains was founded in the 14th century by the Walser people. Traces of this past are still clearly visible today as you stroll through the streets of the old town centre

The parish church dedicated to St. John the Baptist erected in the 17th century preserves valuable furnishings and wooden sculptures of remarkable importance and beauty.

THE TOWN OF RIMASCO

Was founded in 1479 when it broke away from the parish of Boccioleto. This small village lies on the shores of an artificial lake created following the construction of a dam downstream of the village in 1925 in order to increase electricity production.

Rimasco is well known as a holiday resort and for the traditional Miaccia Fair held every year on 16 August. Near the hamlet of Dorca you can admire some typical Walser dwellings confirming the presence of settlers in these areas from 1300 onwards.

The parish church of St. James has ancient origins but was remodelled several times until 1688, when it acquired its present appearance. Many Baroque wooden works and frescoes are preserved inside.

THE TOWN OF ROSSA

With its southern exposure, the village of Rossa enjoys a very fortunate position as it is kissed by the sun practically all year round. Joined to the municipality of Boccioleto since ancient times, Rossa gained its independence in the 17th century. The village develops vertically, and most of its attractions can be accessed via steep staircases. It comprises six hamlets: Piana, Rainero, Ca’ dei Bianchi, Salerio, Folecchio and Cerva.

The parish church dedicated to St. Mary of the Assumption stands in the centre of the village with a 30 m bell tower dating back to the 15th century, and rebuilt in the 19th century

Eleven oratories preserve and contain numerous works by local artists. Several 17th century mills, formerly used for grain processing, can be seen along the course of the Cavaione stream.

THE TOWN OF BOCCIOLETO

Nestled in the mountains of the Sermenza Valley, Boccioleto is a small village founded in ancient times. The municipality of Boccioleto has numerous hamlets, including: Oro, Ronchi, Oromezzano, Solivo, Casetti, Piaggiogna, Palancato and Fervento.

The village is dominated by the Pievana Parish Church, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. It contains frescoes, wooden sculptures and paintings by Ernesto Lancia, an artist from Boccioleto.

Boccioleto was the birthplace of Giacomaccio (Giacomo Preti), who led a popular revolt against the people of Varallo in 1518 and the General Council of the valley.

THE VILLAGE OF RIMELLA

The village, located at the head of a narrow valley that branches off from the Mastallone Valley, consists of several hamlets arranged in terraces along the mountain slopes. The surrounding landscape has morphological features typical of ice and water erosion. The site presents a stunning view of the Ossola valleys and Lakes Orta and Maggiore.

The parish church of St. Michael the Archangel, with its imposing dimensions and built in the mid-18th century, is located in the centre of the village. It is one of the most important religious buildings in the entire Valsesia area.

Rimella is a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. In fact, several hiking trails start from the village, allowing you to discover the High Valsesia Nature Park. The municipality is part of this park.

THE TOWN OF FOBELLO

Fobello is a characteristic Valsesian village rich in history and culture, located at 880 m in the High Mastallone Valley. Awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club, it consists of 23 hamlets. Due to the beauty and richness of its woods, the area is called the Emerald Basin, and is included in the High Valsesia Nature Park.

In the area, you can admire some beautiful villas, such as Villa Musy, Villa Lancia and Villa Lanza, evidence of the elite tourism that transformed the village of Fobello into a renowned holiday resort in the last century.

The parish church dedicated to St. James was erected in 1545. Destroyed on two occasions by the flooding of the Mastallone river, it was rebuilt in 1931.

THE TOWN OF CERVATTO

Located at an altitude of 1044 m, Cervatto is a small tourist centre with a privileged scenic position overlooking the Mastallone Valley and the Cervo Valley. In 1738, the parish of Cervatto separated from that of Fobello, and became a municipality about a century later. Today Cervatto counts seven pretty hamlets: Cadvilli, Cadiano, Giavina, Orlino, Oro Negro and Tamponaccio.

Not far from the village centre, which gathers around the main square, stands the villa known as “The Castle”, which was built in the late 19th century at the behest of the Montaldo family.

Hiking is practised in Cervatto throughout the year, and one of the most fascinating itineraries is the Art Trail dotted with oratories and chapels that leads to the Madonna del Balmone.

THE TOWN OF CRAVAGLIANA

The name derives from Latin, and indicates the rocky cracks that characterise the territory adjacent to the village. The municipality of Cravagliana has numerous hamlets: Casone, Giavinali, Canera, Molino, Nosuggio, Grassura, Pianaronda, Roncaccio, Upper and Lower Sassello, Ordovago, Meula, Ferrera, Saliceto, Voi, Gula, Dietro la Sella, Upper and Lower Valbella, Brugaro, Brugarolo, Selva, Bocciolaro and Colla

The parish church is dedicated to St. Mary of the Assumption and to St. Stephen. It is the oldest church in the area, as reported by several studies that mention it as early as the 13th century. Externally it is frescoed with a large painting of St. Christopher, and inside there are numerous carved wooden works dating back to the 17th century.

The Sanctuary of the Tizzone, which can be reached via a mule track and is surrounded by a beautiful chestnut wood, is of great artistic interest.

SACRO MONTE – UNESCO HERITAGE

Varallo is home to the oldest (1491) Sacro Monte in northern Italy and a UNESCO heritage site since 2003. Conceived and commissioned by Milanese Franciscan Friar Bernardino Caimi as a model of the holy places of Palestine, it consists of 44 frescoed chapels and a basilica, beautifully immersed in the vegetation of a nature park. The tour winds its way along streets and small squares, enriched by chapels with more than 4,000 frescoed figures and about 800 statues depicting scenes from the Gospels, produced by local artists and craftsmen, such as Gaudenzio Ferrari, Giovanni d’Enrico, Antonio d’Enrico (called Tanzio or Tanzio da Varallo), Tabacchetti and Francesco Mazzucchetti (called Morazzone).

CRAFTS, FOOD AND WINE, AND SPORTS

The Crafts Shop is the place for typical handicrafts of Valsesia: from puncetto, a unique lace, to scapin, typical valley slippers, to wood carving and ollar stone objects. The typical gastronomy is born from the convergence of tastes and flavours of the surrounding territories, such as rice of the Lower Vercelli area, wine of the Gattinara lands and dairy products of Valsesia, among which the delicious alpine cheeses stand out. Outdoor enthusiasts will find fertile ground in the Varallo area for their passions, from trekking to mountain biking to more adrenaline-fuelled activities, such as river sports and climbing.

THE TOWN OF CIVIASCO

Situated in a particularly favourable position as it is often sunny, Civiasco divides Valsesia from the valley of Lake Orta, and counts three hamlets: Piandellavalle, Campolungo and Machetto

After being almost completely destroyed by fire in 1779, the small village was rebuilt by revisiting the aesthetics and adopting examples of Hispano-Moorish architecture perfectly integrated with the traditional town fabric. The many migrants of the 18th century made their fortune in the Iberian Peninsula, and once back home, they brought with them the new architectural style and pushed the country towards a great building development.

In the town centre you will find the Ercole Durio Civic Museum, named after its 19th century benefactor and collector. Inside the museum you can see numerous artefacts, weapons, furniture and a fantastic specimen of ancient traditional dress. Also nearby is the municipal library with more than 1,200 volumes.

The parish church is dedicated to St. Gotthard and dates back to the 17th century. The Oratory of St. Rochus, on the outskirts of the village, houses an elegant 18th century marble altar.

THE TOWN OF QUARONA

The place name Quarona points to a probable pre-Roman descent. The town is rich in churches and monuments that bear witness to its ancient history. 

In 1807, the village was divided into several hamlets: Vico, Duomo, Cavaglia sotto, Morondo di Cavaglia, Upper and Lower Valmaggiore, and Doccio.

Among the most important attractions is the Church of San Giovanni al Monte, one of the oldest in Valsesia, which can be reached via a mule track along which several votive chapels can be admired. This awe-inspiring devotional route then connects it to the Sanctuary of the Blessed Panacea al Monte, a legend and a cult of the town. A second shrine dedicated to Panacea is the Church of the Beata al Piano, in the town centre of Quarona.

The 17th century parish church of St. Anthony the Abbot is also located in the town centre, and internally preserves numerous works from the Gaudentian school.

In the late 19th century, the town witnessed the establishment of several companies dedicated to the processing of wool and metal. Quarona is still internationally renowned for its textile production.

THE TOWN OF CELLIO CON BREIA

It is a typically rural village, surrounded by beautiful woods and with a sublime view of the mountains and Lake Orta. It is also rich in history and typical valley culture. Both the town and its characteristic hamlets, referred to as “the hamlets of the sun”, of which Cellio is the largest, preserve houses of traditional architecture, old mills and presses.

The special feature of Cellio con Breia is the parish church of St. Lawrence, flanked by the highest bell tower in Valsesia (56 m). Inside, the church contains numerous works of art, including paintings by artists Tanzio and Lorenzo Peracino. One of the most interesting buildings worth mentioning is the Oratory of St. James, in the Bosco village, located on ancient transit routes through the woods. Also beautifully frescoed by Peracino is the parish church of St. John the Baptist in Breia.

Every hamlet of Cellio has its own oratory or church. These little jewels of art endow the village with charm and culture.

THE TOWN OF BORGOSESIA

Many are the testimonies of Borgosesia’s rich historical and artistic past, an example being the parish church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, which houses works by Bernardino Lanino and Tanzio da Varallo, and the Sanctuary of St. Ann of Montrigone, located on the top of a hill and to all intents and purposes considered a Sacro Monte. A stroll through the lively streets and squares of the old town centre, which has retained the features of the ancient village, is then a must, followed by a stop in the peaceful Magni Park overlooking the left bank of the Sesia river.

Definitely worth a visit is the Carlo Conti Museum of Archaeology and Palaeontology, which exhibits some of the most interesting prehistoric artefacts found in the caves of Mount Fenera, which can also be reached on foot from Borgosesia via pleasant hikes.

THE TOWN OF VALDUGGIA

Since ancient times, the town of Valduggia has been an important industrial centre with especially two leading companies, precisely the very old Mazzola Foundry, specialised in the production of bronze bells and whose activity dates back to the early 1400s, and the more recent knitwear factory Maglieria Ragno, established in 1879

Easily connected to Lake Orta via the Cremosina road, the town of Valduggia has always been an important trade route. 

The Palazzo Pretorio, in the heart of the city, is the town hall, an eloquent example of 15th century architecture in Valduggia. The parish church is dedicated to St. George and houses valuable frescoes and a triptych from the Gaudentian School inside. The ossuary is situated near the church. The square where the Town Hall and the Parish Church stand is dedicated to Gaudenzio Ferrari, who, according to reliable historical sources, was born in Valduggia. In the Chapel of St. Rochus, one can also admire some frescoes, probably by Ferrari, painted as a thanksgiving to St. Charles for the protection from the plague epidemic from which he and his entire family were saved.

THE TOWN OF POSTUA

Lapped by the clear waters of the Strona stream and surrounded by the beech and chestnut woods of the wild Strona Valley, Postua is an enchanting low mountain town that welcomes visitors to a relaxing green oasis with a rich historical and cultural tradition.

The history of Postua originates from the great migratory waves of its inhabitants who, particularly in the 19th century, moved to France and Switzerland. Even today, the French presence in the village is very much felt. The community has maintained strong ties with Postuese families abroad and every year the traditional Postuese Gathering organised by the heirs of migrant families is held in Postua. In summer, many foreign families like to spend their holidays here

The municipality is mainly divided into the hamlets of Roncole, Barinciano, Chiesa, Riva, Fucine and Naulina, all featuring churches and oratories of notable artistic interest. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows, one of Postua’s best known and most popular sites, is worth mentioning.

THE TOWN OF GUARDABOSONE

The town, established around the year 1000, has managed to preserve the typical period architecture as a result of skilful restoration work. Walls, enclosed courtyards, ancient buildings and winding alleys make walking through the medieval centre of the town a pleasant experience.

The parish church is dedicated to St. Agatha and officially obtained parish autonomy in 1626, when it detached from Crevacuore. The Mazzietti sundial, located on the north wall of the church and created in 1880 by Pietro Mazzietti, is of considerable importance. The sundial takes the form of a double clock, where the upper part is a clock that marks the hours according to the canons prevalent in the 19th century, while the lower part is a sundial that marks true noon and mean noon on the meridian of Rome.

A curious detail: Guardabosone is the smallest municipality in the province of Vercelli, and counts about 340 inhabitants.

THE TOWN OF SERRAVALLE SESIA

Situated in a mainly flat area on the right bank of the river Sesia, Serravalle Sesia has three hamlets: Bornate, Piane Sesia and Vintebbio. Initially autonomous municipalities, they were later incorporated under Serravalle Sesia from 1927.

he river Sesia has always played a primary role in the area’s economy, as the energy derived from its waters has fed the paper industry for 400 years

Serravalle boasts several of the most interesting religious sites in Lower Valsesia. Two of these enchanting places are: the parish church of Santa Maria di Naula, of Longobard origin, considered the oldest Christian building of worship in Valsesia, and the imposing 11th century Sanctuary of Sant’Euseo, a pilgrim’s target since the 15th century.

THE TOWN OF LOZZOLO

Together with Roasio, the ancient town of Lozzolo is the place where some fine wines are produced, such as Bramaterra DOC and Coste della Sesia DOC.

The pretty town is dominated by the ancient 13th century castle and the Church of San Giorgio, built in the first half of the 15th century. Just outside the town is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Annunciation, rich in frescoes and surrounded by vegetation.

The town is connected by numerous paths, which can be followed on foot or by bicycle, with the neighbouring municipalities. Do not miss the “Light Trail”, a route that winds its way between Lozzolo and Gattinara, offering breathtaking views of woods and vineyards.

THE TOWN OF GATTINARA

Gattinara is an ancient village, known in Italy and around the world for the namesake fine wine produced here – Gattinara DOCG.

In the old town centre, which has retained its ancient Roman urban layout, there are charming arcades, old shops and elegant 19th century villas. The imposing 15th century Parish Church of St Peter, with its Lombard-Gothic façade, is of particular interest.

To enjoy the unique landscape of the town of Gattinara and the surrounding vineyards, you can reach the hilltop behind the village, the enchanting Castelle Tower with its adjacent Giant Red Bench, the pretty Chapel of Our Lady of the Snow and the ruins of the Castle of St. Lawrence, located at 540 m, at the top of one of the highest hills north of Gattinara.

THE ROUTES OF THE GATTINARA HILLS

Gattinara has a number of beautiful routes immersed in nature that can be enjoyed on foot or by bicycle, and which are suitable for all ages

Do not miss: the Wine Routes, a path through art and excellent wines, which develops at various points in Gattinara and the neighbouring towns, and the “Big Bench”, the giant red bench, positioned near the Castelle Tower in a suggestive and scenic spot above the town.

Mountain bike enthusiasts will find the Wine Routes extremely interesting, an enchanting trail that makes its way through the wine villages of High Piedmont, and the “Sentieri dei Gatti”, a series of different paths leading to the nearby villages of Lozzolo and Serravalle Sesia.

THE TOWN OF ROASIO

This small wine-growing town situated at the border with the Biella area lies at the foothills of the pre-Alpine hills, and is crossed by the Rovasenda stream. Roasio consists of five hamlets: San Maurizio, Santa Maria, Sant’Eusebio, San Giorgio and Castelletto Villa.

Places of interest include the medieval bell tower and the Church of St. Eusebius of Pecurilio, the remains of the castle walls, which date back to the 12th century, as well as those of a square tower that is still well preserved.

In the hamlet of St. Eusebius you can visit the Migrant’s Museum, a curious museum that displays objects, photographs and memories of the inhabitants of Roasio who migrated all over the world.

THE TOWN OF LENTA

The town plan, a combination of ricetto (fortified area) and castle, defines the town as a kind of “religious fortification”. 

The 14th century castle is particularly interesting. It is home to the Benedictine women’s monastery, which was once used as a defence area, and the remains of the ancient ricetto, whose ancient houses and narrow lanes can still be seen.

Near the ricetto is the parish church of Sant’Olimpio with its fascinating crypt of St. Blaise.

Other religious buildings of interest are the Parish Church of St. Stephen – built in the 11th century in the Romanesque style on a previously existing construction that dates back to the 6th century, it features precious frescoes; then you will find the Church of Our Lady of the Fields with its ancient structure that is probably contemporary to the Parish Church, which is also frescoed.

THE CASTLES OF ROVASENDA

Symbol of the village, the Rovasenda Castle built in 1170 stands in the centre of the village in a slightly elevated position. The fortified complex, remodelled several times over the centuries, features an enchanting 48 m high tower (built in 1459), which is among the most fascinating and best preserved in the Vercelli area.

When visiting Rovasenda, you can see that, a few hundred metres from the old castle, there is a second one, built with similar features to the previous one. Constructed in the early 20th century by the famous architect from Turin, Carlo Nigra, the new Rovasenda castle was strongly desired by Count Luigi di Rovasenda who, not having been able to inherit the original manor house, decided to build one for himself.

THE TOWN OF BURONZO

Formed by no less than seven castles, the ancient village owes its particular development to the family of the lords of Buronzo, who in the 14th century split into seven distinct branches, giving rise to the noble Consortium. Each noble branch, occupying and controlling a distinct portion of the castle, favoured the development of seven architectural clusters that gradually grew in different styles around the original core. Today, the old town appears almost as a scenic space, with many suggestive views, overlooked by buildings that preserve elements from different eras, such as medieval loopholes, 18th century façades and colourful mosaics

Going up the charming Via Castello, you come across a must see site, the Parish Church of St. Abbondio, from where you can enjoy an enchanting view of the plain below and the Mount Rosa chain.

THE TOWN OF ALICE CASTELLO

The Alice Castello area was a place of great transit in the Longobard era, as evidenced by the findings in some tombs of Longobard warriors discovered in the municipal area in 1893 and 1991. Besides the Church of San Germano dell’Arborata, attested since the Middle Ages, we find the parish church (1745-1767), which, dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari, dominates the plain.

There was most likely an ancient castle surrounding the hill on which the parish stands. There are only a few remains, precisely the entrance arch and part of the walls, which date back to the 12th century and were altered several times.

THE TOWN OF SANTHIÀ

The town, which hosts the oldest historical carnival in Piedmont every year, preserves some precious testimonies of its medieval past in its historical town centre, such as the Teodolinda Tower and the crypt of St. Stephen in the parish church of St. Agatha.

In addition to the Via Francigena, of which Santhià has been a stage since the Middle Ages, another important route that starts in the town is the Oropa Path, a four-stage route that connects Santhià to the well-known Marian sanctuary in Biella.

A short distance from the city centre, along the Naviglio d’Ivrea you will find the Santhià experimental hydrometric station. This impressive 19th century building, which is currently closed to the public, is unique, and was built to measure the flow and distribution of water in Vercelli’s complex irrigation network. . 

THE TOWN OF TRONZANO

Formerly divided between Upper and Lower Tronzano, which were later united into a tax-free town (burgfrieden) from the middle of the 13th century, the town is located in a rich flat area traversed by numerous watercourses, which are essential for the irrigation of the land and the cultivation of rice.

In the town, you can admire the parish church of Saints Peter and Paul, located in the centre of the town, at the edge of the main square and built by the community between the years 1732-1752, and the ancient Church of St. Martin, which dates back to 1256.

Standing on the edge of the town, with all the beauty of a national monument, is the 11th century Church of St. Peter at the cemetery. At the beginning of the 13th century, abandoned and heavily damaged, it became a shelter for knights from France on their way to the Holy Land during the Crusades. It was later recovered.

THE TOWN OF MONCRIVELLO

Walking through the streets of Moncrivello, we recommend a visit to the Parish Church of St. Eusebius, built as it appears today in 1856 in Neoclassical style on the site of an old previously existing church. Only the bell tower, although renovated, has retained its Romanesque appearance. The Castle of Moncrivello, symbol of the town, is a medieval structure that originated around the year 1000. Featuring Romanesque architecture and valuable Renaissance elements, it is enclosed in a mighty city wall adorned with Ghibelline battlements. It was a leading fortress, and was transformed in the 15th century by Duchess Jolanda into a splendid residence, becoming the favourite castle of several famous noblewomen.

Near the village is the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Trompone, which was built in 1559. Interesting features are the three aisles and the dome that houses a cycle of frescoes attributed to Gaudenzio Ferrari.

THE ABBEY OF ST. ANDREW, THE CATHEDRAL AND THE FRESCOES OF GAUDENZIO FERRARI

Symbol of the city for more than 800 years, the Abbey of St. Andrew is among the earliest examples of Gothic-Romanesque architecture in Italy. It has a majestic façade, an astonishing interior, and conceals a cloister and chapter house of rare beauty. The Cathedral of St. Eusebius is the most imposing church in Vercelli. Built on an ancient early Christian basilica, it houses the remains of St. Eusebius and a beautiful medieval crucifix. How can one not marvel at Gaudenzio Ferrari’s frescoes? The masterpieces of Piedmont’s Renaissance master can be found in the Church of St. Christopher, also known as the “Sistine Chapel of Vercelli”.

RISOTTOS, RICE FIELD CYCLING ROUTES AND THE VIA FRANCIGENA

In Vercelli, the undisputed king of the table is rice. This is why you cannot leave without first tasting panissa, the typical dish par excellence, or a delicious risotto. Surrounded by thousands of hectares of rice fields, Vercelli is the ideal destination to explore the rice lands of Vercelli. Two-wheel enthusiasts can discover them by following the Rice Field Cycle Paths, pleasant itineraries in the Vercelli rice fields. Those who love to walk can, on the other hand, walk a stretch of the Via Francigena, an ancient path of faith that has crossed the city since the Middle Ages, an alternative way to discover the richness of this territory.

THE TOWN OF LIVORNO FERRARIS

In the charming historical town centre, which counts more than nineteen churches, we suggest a visit to the majestic parish church of St. Lawrence. It has an impressive 18th century organ, and the Ferraris Civic Museum dedicated to the scientist and his brother Adamo, Garibaldi’s personal physician.

Near the village, in addition to the very old church of St. Mary of Ysana, the only Templar church in the Vercelli area, is the Depretis Canal, an ancient 18th century canal that was among the first to allow irrigation of the rice fields in the central Vercelli area, which naturally lacked major waterways.

THE TOWN OF SALUGGIA

The town of Saluggia, a point of transit for pilgrims on the Via Francigena, preserves the remains of the Castle, once an imposing fortification with six towers, and of Palazzo Pastoris, now the Town Hall, surrounded by a deep moat.

Near the town you can also admire a small jewel of 19th century hydraulic engineering and architecture, the Farini Canal Intake, an important canal built in 1868 to increase the flow rate of the larger Cavour Canal.

A short distance from Saluggia and the Dora Baltea is the Ritano Island Nature Reserve. The Reserve hosts environments of considerable naturalistic importance that distinguish this site from the surrounding area, endowing it with the value of an “ecological island”.

THE TOWN OF ASIGLIANO VERCELLESE

The small town, only a few kilometres from the city of Vercelli, is mainly known for the traditional Bull Race held in May during the Feast of St. Victor.

The most historically and architecturally valuable monuments in the town include: the Parish Church of St. Mary of the Assumption, which was first mentioned around the 13th century and has a Neoclassical façade; the castle, of which only the wall and part of the cylindrical tower remain; and the Church of St. Victor, located near the cemetery and dating back to the 15th century.

THE TOWN OF CRESCENTINO

In the town centre, which still retains its ancient medieval urban layout, is the town’s symbol, the 14th century Civic Tower with the largest bell in the province of Vercelli, the Crescentina. The Parish Church of St. Mary of the Assumption and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Palazzo, surrounded by vegetation, are also of great interest.

Not far from the town is the St. Maria Island Nature Reserve, one of the protected areas of the Po River Park that is particularly interesting for birdwatchers, who can admire numerous colonies of resident birds here.

Crescentino is also located along the itinerary of the Via Francigena, one of Europe’s most important pilgrims’ paths, with over three thousand kilometres to cover on foot or by bicycle, connecting Canterbury to Rome, and then further south to Santa Maria di Leuca.

THE TOWN OF FONTANETTO PO

The town, which owes its name to the numerous springs once present in its territory, is traversed by a dense network of irrigation ditches that gives a particular structure to the town centre.

The Church of St. Sebastian, a jewel of Romanesque-Gothic architecture in the Vercelli area, deserves mention. Continuing along Via Viotti, where Viotti’s birthplace is marked by a plaque, we come to the interesting parish church of St. Martin surmounted by a beautiful 56 m high Norman Romanesque bell tower.

Fontanetto Po is also part of the Piedmont Po Park. It is also the site of high standard musical events linked to the figure of Giovan Battista Viotti, the internationally renowned violinist, who was born in Fontanetto Po in 1755.

THE TOWN OF TRINO

Trino was the main seat of the fiefdom of the Paleologi, a noble family that ruled the fate of the Marquisate of Monferrato from 1305 until 1532.

There are numerous artistic and architectural testimonies in the city: Palazzo Paleologo, seat of the Court of the Paleologi, which features Moorish decorative elements unique in Piedmont; the Church of St. Bartholomew, founded in medieval times; the Church of San Michele in Insula, just outside the town, which still retains its Romanesque appearance

o learn more about the history of Trino, you can visit the “G.A. Irico Civic Museum”, located in the centre of the town, which collects numerous local artefacts

THE TOWN OF PALAZZOLO VERCELLESE

Strolling through the narrow streets of Palazzolo, it is worth pausing to admire the charming little square in front of the parish church of St. Germano. Instead, the concrete aeroplane at the very entrance to the town is a curious detail. The trimotor aircraft, which certainly does not go unnoticed given its size, was used as a shower at the heliotherapy colony on the Po River.

From the village, looking out over the hills of Monferrato, you can see the calanchi, spectacular steep walls created by rainwater. The best way to discover these natural formations is to explore the surroundings of Palazzolo Vercellese on two wheels.