Recognised among the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy,” Vogogna, Orta San Giulio, Rassa, the Ricetto of Candelo and Rosazza are gems set amidst lakes, mountains and hills, each with its own soul, history and uniqueness.

WHERE TIME SLOWS DOWN: EXPLORING THE VILLAGES OF ALTO PIEMONTE

The journey begins in the heart of the Ossola Valley, in Vogogna, a fortified medieval village that was once the capital of Lower Ossola. The Visconti Castle, with its imposing walls and towers, dominates the landscape, while the historic Palazzo Pretorio, former administrative seat, tells of the village’s central role over the centuries. Vogogna also serves as a gateway to the Val Grande National Park, the largest wilderness area in the Alps, where nature reveals itself in its most authentic form.

From Ossola, the route descends to Lake Orta, where Orta San Giulio enchants with timeless charm. Cobblestone lanes wind through frescoed houses and 17th-century palaces, leading to Piazza Motta, a refined lakeside square animated by cafés and artisan shops. Here stands the Palazzo della Comunità della Riviera (1582), a symbol of ancient local self-government. Climbing further, visitors reach the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in 1485 and later modified in the Baroque period, featuring an elegant portal carved in Oria stone. The path continues to the Sacred Mount of Orta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: an oasis of spirituality and art, with twenty frescoed chapels immersed in greenery. Just a few minutes by boat, the Island of San Giulio rises from the lake, cloaked in a mystical atmosphere. Dominated by the thousand-year-old Basilica of San Giulio, it houses the magnificent 12th-century Romanesque pulpit, one of Italy’s most precious medieval artworks. The circular path around the island invites visitors to discover ancient monastic buildings and stunning views, shrouded in evocative silence and mists that heighten its magic.

The journey climbs toward Valsesia, arriving in Rassa, a picturesque village nestled between the Sorba and Gronda valleys and part of a Special Protection Area. Here, artisan traditions come to life at the Wood Ecomuseum, which preserves the memory of historic hydraulic sawmills, like the still-functional Brasei sawmill. The Bottega del Patel, a small artisanal workshop, also tells the story of local wood craftsmanship. Rassa is also a starting point for hiking trails like the Path of Fra Dolcino and the Rassa-Oropa pilgrimage, as well as mountain biking routes. Among the historical buildings, the Parish Church of Santa Croce stands out, expanded in the 1600s and frescoed by Antonio Orgiazzi, the same artist behind the frescoes at the Sacred Mount of Varallo.

The journey continues into the Biella area, where history intertwines with farming traditions. Here lies the Ricetto of Candelo, an extraordinary example of a fortified medieval village built between the 13th and 14th centuries by local residents to protect their crops and wine, with no feudal involvement. Its pentagonal layout, surrounded by thick cobblestone walls arranged in a herringbone pattern, has remained intact through the centuries, making it one of the best-preserved and most charming ricetti in Europe. Walking along its rue (narrow lanes), visitors encounter the Palazzo del Principe, ancient cellars still in use, and defensive towers telling the story of the village’s past. The Ricetto is also a cultural hub: it hosts the Ecomuseum of Viticulture, dedicated to local wine heritage, and the Documentation Centre for the Ricetti of Piedmont. Not far away, the Baraggia Nature Reserve offers a unique, savanna-like landscape, with centuries-old oaks and vast stretches of broom, ideal for walking, cycling or horseback riding.

Just a few kilometres away, Rosazza appears suspended between history and legend. Its refined look and unmistakable charm are owed to Federico Rosazza Pistolet, the 19th-century philanthropist who funded the construction of buildings, villas, bridges and palaces in an evocative neo-Gothic style. The village features true architectural gems, such as the parish church dedicated to Saints Peter and George, the monumental cemetery and the castle, all reflecting the eclectic taste of its benefactor. To fully understand life and traditions in the Upper Cervo Valley, the Casa Museo offers a journey into the past, with faithfully reconstructed interiors and a section dedicated to the local Technical School, which for decades trained artisans and stonemasons, preserving a knowledge that still defines this unique destination.

THE WONDER OF ALTO PIEMONTE IN FIVE VILLAGES TO EXPERIENCE

These villages are not just places to visit, but to live. Every stone, every street, every view tells the story of a past rich in culture, of communities that have preserved their traditions and valued their roots.

For more information on the “Vivi Alto Piemonte – A Mosaic of Wonders” project and future initiatives www.vivialtopiemonte.it

PH: Rassa, Valsesia - Arch.Fot. ATL Terre Alto Piemonte