Mysticism, spirituality, and art intertwine in numerous churches, sanctuaries, and sacred monuments scattered throughout the Lake Maggiore area, the Ossola valleys, and the Novara hills.

The historical and cultural value of these buildings is remarkable. Consider, for example, the Church of San Gottardo in Carmine Superiore, a hamlet of Cannobio, an outstanding example of cliffside architecture built directly on the rock; or the Old Church of Macugnaga, located in the ancient hamlet of Dorf, not far from the majestic 14th-century Old Linden Tree; the Parish Church of Ghemme, with its beautiful Baroque façade; and the Church of Saints Gervasius and Protasius in Domodossola.

There are numerous sanctuaries throughout the territory: the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Boden in Ornavasso; the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso, one of the most spectacular sacred sites of Lake Orta; the Sanctuary of Re, a devotional center in the Vigezzo Valley and destination of many pilgrimages; and the Sanctuary of the Crucifix in Boca, one of the most architecturally significant buildings in the Novara area.

In the photo: Church of Santa Margherita in Premeno