The Ossola is a leaf-shaped complex of Alpine valleys in the northern tip of Piedmont bordering on Switzerland, wedged between the Swiss cantons of Ticino and Valais. Seven valleys make up the area (Vigezzo, Antigorio, Divedro, Formazza, Anzasca, Antrona, Bognanco) branching off the central river plain of the main Ossola Valley, which contains a number of ancient little towns and villages.

The geographical and administrative centre is Domodossola (pop. 20,000), the “capital” of the area, situated on the northern part of the plain. Twinned with the Swiss town of Brig on the other side of the Simplon Pass, it lies on the ancient route to the Pass and to the high Alpine passes of the Formazza Valley, and has all the characteristics of a frontier trading town.

Domodossola has since 2003 boasted a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sacro Monte Calvario, which is also a special nature reserve of Piedmont region, set on the Mattarella Hill above the town. The fifteen chapels in the Calvario complex fully reflect the local Ossola culture, and were built with the contribution of the best local artists of the 17th century, who introduced the Baroque style to the area.

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The 2023 Bettelmatt season is ready

The run-down of the 2022 activities at the Val Grande National Park in view of its expansion

Santa Maria Maggiore Christmas Street Market: an extraordinary success

A memorable season for the Thermal Baths of Premia

Bettelmatt season 2022 is ready, an excellence of alpine cheeses

Top Events

Vigezzini di Francia

Domodossola, From 15 September to 26 November 2023

The Foliage Train: a journey into Autumn

From Domodossola to Locarno, From 14 October to 11 November 2023

ENRICO CAVALLI (1849-1919)

Santa Maria Maggiore, From 25 June to 26 November 2023

The Festival Season Kicks Off in Ossola!

Ossola, From 16 June to 30 November 2023

Moods and Colors of Vigezzo

Santa Maria Maggiore, From 2 June to 26 November 2023

Vigezzini di Francia

Domodossola, From 15 September to 26 November 2023

The Foliage Train: a journey into Autumn

From Domodossola to Locarno, From 14 October to 11 November 2023

ENRICO CAVALLI (1849-1919)

Santa Maria Maggiore, From 25 June to 26 November 2023

The Festival Season Kicks Off in Ossola!

Ossola, From 16 June to 30 November 2023

Moods and Colors of Vigezzo

Santa Maria Maggiore, From 2 June to 26 November 2023

Conventions and Meetings

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The beautiful countryside around Lake Maggiore offers peerless convention facilities. With its natural and artistic beauties boasts a long tradition in the meeting and convention hosting sector with many excellent venues and services, and unrivalled hospitality facilities. Quality, hospitality and the varied and beautiful scenery make it one of the preferred destinations for visitors from all around the world.