Overview

A medieval town amid green valleys

Domodossola lies in the green valleys of the Ossola Valley in Piedmont, framed by the peaks of the Alps. Its medieval historic centre features narrow, winding streets. Piazza del Mercato is the heart of the city, with Renaissance-style arcades and splendid palaces, including Palazzo Mellerio and Palazzo Silva, a noble residence built in the 14th century and renovated in the 16th century.

Traditional houses with stone-tiled roofs overlook Via Briona. Don’t miss a tour of the historic La Motta district. Along Via Carina are old houses with larch-wood balconies, evidence of the Walser culture in the area.

The most beautiful church is the 18th-century Parish Church of Saints Gervasius and Protasius, decorated with polychrome marble. We highly recommend visiting the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve with its frescoes and the Collegio Mellerio Rosmini, which houses a rich library and the Museum of Natural Sciences.

The Vigezzina panoramic train departs from Domodossola. Its blue and white carriages reach Locarno in a couple of hours, passing through pristine nature, small villages, bridges and tunnels. The autumn foliage makes it even more magical. Near Domodossola is the 17th-century Sacro Monte del Calvario, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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