Vogogna: the medieval jewel nestled among the mountains

In the beating heart of the Val d’Ossola rises the ancient village of Vogogna, a unique place that still preserves its medieval soul intact.

Rich in medieval views, it unfolds in classic medieval architecture, with ancient stone houses that define evocative alleys, making every walk unique.

The village also offers an unusual view of the Alpine peaks, where the gaze of every visitor is lost in the infinite beauty of that unspoiled and magical panorama.

Vogogna is a historic village full of traditions, capable of giving emotions to every type of visitor, with exploratory routes and tastings of local products born of centuries-old traditions.

What to see in Vogogna

The symbol of the village is the Visconti Castle, built in the 14th century by order of Giovanni Maria Visconti. With its imposing structure and semicircular tower, it dominates the entire town and was originally conceived as a military outpost defending the borders of the Duchy of Milan. Since 2023, it has been transformed into a museum of local history, allowing visitors to freely explore all its rooms and discover the untold story of this historic village.

In the historic center, a must-see is the Palazzo Pretorio, an elegant 14th-century building where the village market was once held. It served as the seat of government of Lower Ossola until 1819.

Also worth visiting are the Church of San Pietro, which preserves works of great artistic and religious value, and the former Church of Saints James and Christopher, where visitors can admire its richly carved and well-preserved ancient portal.

Not to be missed is also a visit to the hamlet of Genestredo, abandoned for a long time but restored to its former splendor thanks to targeted recovery efforts. It offers a timeless and authentic atmosphere for every visitor.

Traditions and events

Vogogna is a historic village full of things to do and incredible places to discover.

Exploring the entire historic center is a must: it offers unique medieval glimpses, with 14th-century houses and evocative alleys where there is always something to see, along with tastings of local gastronomic products at every corner.

Its gastronomic tradition is vast and long-standing, closely tied to the products of the Val d’Ossola, such as alpine cheese, typically crafted according to traditions handed down from generation to generation.

Also unmissable is the historical reenactment of the Palio, when the village comes alive with period costumes, markets, medieval music, and performances in every corner, taking visitors back in time.

Exploring the surroundings

Vogogna is an excellent starting point for nature and hiking enthusiasts, as many trekking trails of varying difficulty branch out from the village, suitable for all visitors.

Just a few kilometers from the village lies the Val Grande National Park, the largest wilderness area in Italy, where visitors can enjoy unique experiences in contact with unspoiled nature.

In the surrounding area, it is also possible to visit the picturesque villages of the Val d’Ossola and the famous resorts on Lake Maggiore, such as Stresa and the Borromean Islands, easily reachable to enrich the exploration.

Visiting Vogogna means immersing yourself in history and nature, living unique and multisensory experiences, with extraordinary and unusual landscapes—a little jewel waiting to be explored!

Cover photo credits: beergash