Alagna Valsesia
On the slopes of Mount Rosa lies the characteristic village of Alagna Valsesia, a magical place surrounded by nature and the authentic atmosphere of times gone by. Come and discover Alagna!
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 RICH HISTORIC CENTRE
Alagna preserves a rich artistic heritage and strong traditions that permeate every corner of the area. The culture of the Walser people, which is still felt and preserved by the people living in these places, is emphasised in the Ecomuseum and can be breathed in when walking through the centre and along the narrow streets of the neighbouring villages, where you can admire the unmistakable architecture of the houses made of wood and stone. In the hamlet of Pedemonte you will also find the impressive Walser Museum where, in a typical three-storey house dating back to 1628, the rooms of an old house and its more traditional surroundings are reconstructed with remarkable accuracy.
In the central square Piazza Grober stands the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, characterised by its high pointed spire bell tower with typical late Gothic features.
Not far away, the Theatre of the Alagna Union, inaugurated on 30 December 1900, houses the allegories of Ars and Labor, works by the famous Valsesian artist Camillo Verno.
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 HIGHEST ROOF IN EUROPE
On the Gnifetti summit, at 4,554 m, stands Capanna Regina Margherita. Inaugurated in August 1893 in the presence of Queen Margaret of Savoy, it prides in being the highest alpine lodge in Europe..
Numerous mountaineers venture to the ascent of Capanna Regina Margherita during the season. The traditional access route starts from Alagna Valsesia, the trail of the first ascent to the summit by parish priest Giovanni Gnifetti in 1842.
However, Capanna Regina Margherita can be reached along different routes: starting from Capanna Giovanni Gnifetti or the nearby Capanna Città di Mantova; starting from the Swiss Mount Rosa Hütte, or from Capanna Resegotti; in the latter case, following the Signal ridge.
The Monterosa Sky Marathon has been held here since 1993, a mountain running race that starts in the village of Alagna, goes up to Capanna Regina Margherita, and then returns along the same route. An impressive challenge for sportsmen!
how to get to alagna valsesia
BY HIGHWAY
A4 Milan-Turin A26 junction at Biandrate, direction Gravellona Toce, for Romagnano-Ghemme. From Romagnano Sesia follow SP 299 to Varallo-Alagna Valsesia.
A26 Genoa-Gravellona Toce, exit Romagnano-Ghemme.
From Romagnano Sesia follow the SP 299 for Varallo-Alagna Valsesia
BY BUS
Daily bus lines connect Alagna with Varallo and Vercelli.
Don’t miss in this area
Discover the wonders of Alta Valsesia
Art and culture, nature, ancient traditions, food and wine excellence and outdoor activities: let Alta Valsesia win you over!
