Attractions and Places To See around Borgomezzavalle - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Borgomezzavalle include a blend of historical, cultural, and natural sites within Italy's Antrona Valley. This municipality, formed by Viganella and Seppiana, is known for its unique landmarks and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient churches, well-preserved mountain pastures, and terraced landscapes. The area serves as a starting point for various excursions into the surrounding natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Borgomezzavalle
- The most popular attractions is Stations of the Cross…
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Stations of the Cross at Sacro Monte Calvario, Domodossola
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Market Square, Domodossola
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Cheggio Dam and Lake of the Horses
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Mattarella Castle🏰🌳
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Vogogna Castle
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Saint Francis of Assisi, whose 800th anniversary of death we celebrate this year, describes our Christian life with the words of the Apostle Peter: he reminds us that we are called to »follow in the footsteps of Christ, who called his betrayer friend and voluntarily handed himself over to his crucifiers« (cf. NbR XXII, 2; cf. 1 Pt 2:21). The Poverello encourages us to fix our gaze on Jesus: »Let us all, brothers, pay attention to the Good Shepherd, who, to save his sheep, suffered the torment of the cross« (Erm VI). Therefore, on this Way of the Cross, let us accept Saint Francis' invitation to follow in Jesus' footsteps, not just ritually or intellectually, but with our whole being and our whole life: »Offer yourselves in body and carry his holy cross and follow his most holy commandments to the end« (Off XV 13). (from the introduction to the Way of the Cross meditation with the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, in the Roman Colosseum on April 3, 2026)
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A perfect lake to cool off after a busy day of walking or simply to sunbathe.
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Great place
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amazing! amazing view, path for everyone on the left of the lake
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From a Celtic and Roman sanctuary to the Matarella fortress and a Capuchin monastery, this spiritual place tells an amazing story.
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Built in the 1920s.
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In 1656, two Capuchins chose the hill of Colle Mattarella, above Domodosso, to make it a place of pilgrimage. Twelve chapels were built, each with a statue or fresco depicting the Stations of the Cross, with an additional chapel depicting the Resurrection of Christ. At the top of Colle Mattarella stands the octagonal Sanctuary of the Holy Cross, the construction of which began in 1657. In the park of the Sacro Monte di Domodossola are the remains of the Mattarella Castle, destroyed in 1415 by Swiss soldiers who wanted to conquer the Ossola Valley and take it from the Duchy of Milan. In 1656, two Capuchins from the Domodossola monastery, Father Gioacchino from Cassano and Father Andrea from Rho, decided to have Stations of the Cross built on the slopes of Colle Mattarella, leading to a church dedicated to the Holy Cross. It was planned to gradually replace the crosses with chapels for the individual Stations of the Cross. Bishop Guido Maria Odescalchi commissioned the legal scholar Giovanni Matteo Capis to coordinate the project and named the hill Monte Calvario ("Calvary"), as the places of worship of the Sacri Monti ("holy mountains") were intended to symbolize the sites in the Holy Land that many pilgrims could not or could no longer reach. The construction work and the technical implementation were entrusted to the architect Tomaso Lazzaro from the Val d'Intelvi. The foundation stone for the pilgrimage site was laid on July 8, 1657, and in March 1662 the first Holy Mass was celebrated at the altar on which a crucifix by Dionigi Bussola had just been erected. A great benefactor and financier of the project was Kaspar Stockalper, a merchant, notary and governor from the Valais who was forced into exile in Domodossola, directly on Monte Calvario, where his figure embodies St. Gaspar, one of the Three Kings, in the 15th chapel of the Sacro Monte. The project to build the chapels was completed in the course of the 18th century; their furnishings have been constantly restored or renewed since then; the most recent statues, from 1957, are carved in wood. Source and further information: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacro_Monte_di_Domodossola
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Borgomezzavalle?
Borgomezzavalle is rich in history. You can discover the unique Mattarella Castle, which offers splendid views of Domodossola, or the well-preserved Vogogna Castle, dating back to the 14th century. Within Borgomezzavalle itself, you'll find a medieval tower, the former home of a local painter Casa Vanni, and the ruins of a 17th-century mill.
Are there any unique natural features to visit in the Antrona Valley?
Absolutely. The Antrona Valley, where Borgomezzavalle is located, is known for its natural beauty. A prominent feature is the Cheggio Dam and Lake of the Horses, a picturesque lake formed by the damming of the Loranco stream. You can also visit Lake Antrona, a spectacular natural sight created by a landslide in 1642, and explore the Alta Valle Antrona Natural Park.
What cultural sites are worth seeing in Borgomezzavalle?
The area boasts numerous cultural sites, particularly churches and oratories. Highlights include the 17th-century Church of San Pietro, the 16th-century Parish Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, and the ancient Church of San Ambrogio in Seppiana with Romanesque arches from the 11th century. The nearby Parish Museum (Museo Parrocchiale) in Ornavasso also houses sculptures and paintings from local churches.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Borgomezzavalle?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Market Square in Domodossola is a contained city center with shops and old buildings, perfect for a stroll. The Cheggio Dam and Lake of the Horses offers a scenic tour that families can enjoy together.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, are available near Borgomezzavalle?
Borgomezzavalle and the surrounding Antrona Valley offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find various routes for mountain hikes, such as the 'Lago Alpe dei Cavalli – Rifugio Andolla loop' or the 'Sajont Waterfall – Lake Antrona loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are road cycling routes like 'From Villadossola to Lake Antrona'. You can explore more options on the Mountain Hikes around Borgomezzavalle or Road Cycling Routes around Borgomezzavalle guide pages.
What is the Viganella Mirror, and where can I see it?
The Viganella Mirror is an ingenious engineering feat installed in 2006. It reflects sunlight into the village square of Viganella (part of Borgomezzavalle) during the winter months when the sun naturally disappears behind the mountains. This ensures the main meeting place is warmed by the sun's rays from November to February, offering a truly unique sight.
What archaeological sites can be found in the Borgomezzavalle area?
The region has a rich archaeological past. You can find prehistoric megalithic caves, Celtic petroglyphs, and 15th-century trilithic arches. Remains of a Roman necropolis, yielding terracotta artifacts and bronze coins, have also been discovered, along with an ancient Roman tomb from the end of the first century BC in the Antrona Valley.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Borgomezzavalle?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. For instance, the Stations of the Cross at Sacro Monte Calvario, Domodossola, is loved for its UNESCO heritage status and the scenic Via Crucis path. The Market Square in Domodossola is praised for its charming city center with shops and old buildings.
What is the best time of year to visit Borgomezzavalle for outdoor activities?
The Antrona Valley is ideal for outdoor activities, particularly hiking and cycling. While some trails might be challenging in early May due to snow, the warmer months from late spring through early autumn generally offer the best conditions for exploring the mountains, lakes, and terraced landscapes.
Are there any unique local traditions or events in Borgomezzavalle?
Yes, Borgomezzavalle celebrates several folk traditions. These include 'Candelora' on February 2nd, featuring the 'pescia' (a decorated fir tree), and the patronal feast of Santa Maria on September 8th. The area also has a folk group that dresses in traditional alpine clothing and a choir, 'I cantori di Viganella', known for practicing Gregorian chant.
Can I visit any picturesque villages or hamlets in the area?
The municipality includes numerous small Alpine hamlets that are worth exploring, such as Bordo, Cheggio, Prato, and Rivera. Some of these, like Bordo and Cheggio, have even been restored by a Buddhist community, adding to their unique charm.
What is the 'Strada Antronesca' and what can I see along it?
The 'Strada Antronesca' is a route from Villadossola to Borgomezzavalle. Along this road, visitors can still observe ancient terraced landscapes where grains, potatoes, and grapes were once cultivated, offering a glimpse into the region's agricultural history and traditional land use.
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