Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola

Europe

Italy

Access

The province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola is well connected and accessible thanks to a transport network that facilitates access from major Italian cities and neighbouring Switzerland. For those arriving by plane, the nearest airports are Milan Malpensa and Lugano-Agno, both located a short distance away and connected by efficient roads and railways. Malpensa airport, in particular, is the most convenient access point for those coming from other Italian regions or from abroad, given the availability of national and international flights.
The railway network in the province is equally convenient, with the Domodossola station as the main hub, served by national lines and the Simplon international railway, connecting Italy with Switzerland. Trains traversing the Simplon Pass make it possible to arrive from Milan, Turin and even Swiss cities such as Brig and Bern, making Domodossola a strategic crossroads for those wishing to explore the region. From Domodossola it is possible to continue to inland locations thanks to regional railway lines serving the main centres of the province.
For those who prefer to travel by car, the motorway and road network offers easy access to the province. The (Genoa-Gravellona Toce) and (Milan-Varese) motorways are the main access routes from the south and west, making it easy to reach Gravellona Toce. From here, the Simplon dual carriageway branches off to the north, passing through Verbania and Domodossola, and continues as far as the Swiss border, making it easy to explore the valleys and the main attractions of the area.

The provincial road network is varied, with a series of mountain roads that cross the alpine landscapes, linking the villages in the valleys and offering suggestive natural views. Some of these roads, such as those leading to the Val Grande National Park, require special attention when driving, especially in winter, when snowfall can make them less accessible. However, the main roads, such as the along Lake Maggiore and the to Lake Orta, are well maintained and allow for easy travel even to the most peripheral areas.
Reaching Verbano-Cusio-Ossola is therefore easy thanks to the variety of transport options, which include fast rail links, a good motorway network and scenic roads that add charm to the journey.

Introduction

The province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, located in the far north of Piedmont on the border with Switzerland, offers a varied landscape of valleys, lakes and mountains, providing visitors with a fascinating combination of natural landscapes, history and culture. The geography of this province is dominated by the Lepontine and Pennine Alps, with imposing peaks such as Monte Rosa and numerous lakes, including Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, attracting nature and outdoor sports enthusiasts every year.

Description

The history of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola is characterised by the presence of ancient Celtic and Roman settlements, and over the centuries it has seen communities flourish that have been able to coexist with a natural environment that is at times impervious. During the Middle Ages, the current territories of the province were fragmented into fiefdoms, each with its own peculiarities, while in modern times the area became known for its mining activity and for the trade that developed along the transalpine routes. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, the province was a holiday resort for noble and bourgeois families, who contributed to the construction of elegant villas and gardens along the shores of the lakes.
The local economy, traditionally based on mineral extraction and mountain agriculture, has evolved with tourism, which today represents one of the main activities in the area. Nature trails, trekking and ski-mountaineering are particularly popular, while the waters of Lake Maggiore offer opportunities for water sports and scenic cruises. Thermal resorts, such as Premia, on the other hand, attract those seeking moments of relaxation and wellness immersed in nature. In addition to tourism, handicrafts and small manufacturing industries constitute further sectors of the economy, with production often making use of local materials such as granite and soapstone.
Among the most important points of interest, it is worth visiting the Villa Taranto botanical gardens in Verbania, known for their extraordinary variety of plants from all over the world, and the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Rocca di Angera, a fortress that rises above Lake Maggiore and offers a glimpse into the region's medieval history, is also impressive. For those who enjoy hiking, the Val Grande National Park is one of the largest wilderness areas in Italy, with trails leading into the heart of unspoilt nature.
A curiosity about the province is the tradition of gold mining in the Val Toppa, an activity that in past centuries attracted prospectors from all over Europe and is now revived as a tourist attraction with events and demonstrations. In addition, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola is known for hosting the annual 'Giostra dei Bastoni' event in Domodossola, a historical re-enactment in costume that celebrates the region's medieval traditions.
Visiting the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola means immersing oneself in an area rich in contrasts, where lakes and mountains coexist in harmony, and where history and traditions blend in a natural environment of rare beauty, offering an experience that combines culture, adventure and relaxation in a unique corner of Piedmont.

Information

Headquarters: Verbania
Area:2,255.00 square kilometres
Minimum elevation:193 m
Maximum elevation: 4,609 m (Northend)
Number of inhabitants: 163.247
Number of municipalities: 77 list - map
Name of inhabitants:
Bordering provinces: Canton Ticino, Canton Valais, Province of Varese, Province of Vercelli, Province of Novara
Website: www.provincia.verbano-cusio-ossola.it

Territory

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