General features:
Vogogna is the only village in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola which have preserved the architectural layout of the 14th century medieval village. It is the headquarters of Val Grande National Park and "Geolab", a geological laboratory dedicated to the geological peculiarities of the territory which has become part of the Sesia-Val Grande Geopark, sponsored by UNESCO. There are two self-guided itineraries, "The breath of history", with a historical and anthropological theme, and the "Geological Path", which starting from Vogogna develops up to Premosello.
The route:
From the railway station go to Piazza Pratini, go up Via de Maria to Piazza della Chiesa. Here the old village begins, which for its historical, artistic and cultural peculiarities, is included in the list of 217 "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy". It was also awarded the Orange Flag by Italian Touring Club.
Walking along Via Roma reach Palazzo Pretorio, built in 1348 on the model of Lombard Broletto. It is a market place in the porticoed space below and it houses the civic seat on the first floor; it houses also the Celtic Mask, an important testimony dating back to the III century BC. Next to Palazzo Pretorio there is Villa Biraghi-Vietti-Violi (mid 17th century), headquarters of Val Grande National Park. It houses the GEOLAB, geological laboratory of Sesia-Val Grande Geopark (UNESCO). An alley goes up to the Visconteo Castle (14th century), which can be also reached by a panoramic lift. From here a mule track goes up to the hamlet of Genestredo, with the Oratory of San Martino, and to the Rocca (11th century), a signaling and defense tower of the valley. The route is equipped with information boards (nature trail "The breath of history", Val Grande National Park). From the Rocca the return is for the same route of the ascent.
Area: Plain of the Ossola Valley
Notes:
Itinerary particularly suitable for educational visits: Val Grande National Park www.parcovalgrande.it
It is possible to continue along the Geological Path set up by the Park between Vogogna and Premosello, arriving at the Premosello railway station. In this case, schools are advised to access to guided tour service.
For information and specialized educational visits for schools contact:
- Val Grande National Park Authority (www.parcovalgrande.it)
- Cooperativa Valgrande, specialized in Environmental Education proposals (www.coopvalgrande.it)
Notable Items along the Track
Borgo di Vogogna, Visconteo Castle (14th century), Rocca (11th century), Valgrande National Park
Accesso con mezzi pubblici
By train: Vogogna station, Ferrovie dello Stato. Timetable: http://www.trenitalia.com/; www.ffs.ch By car: A26 highway towards Gravellona Toce, from here SS 33 del Sempione, exit Piedimulera-Vogogna.
