Alagna Valsesia

Welcome to Alagna Valsesia!

Hello everyone! Today, I will talk about Alagna Valsesia, an Italian municipality located in Piedmont at the foot of the massif of Monte Rosa. With its population of 729, Alagna Valsesia is a charming and fascinating place that deserves to be visited. In this text, I will tell you everything you need to know about this splendid location.

Physical Geography

The territory of Alagna Valsesia is characterized by a rugged and wild geography that makes it a very suggestive place. Among its strengths, there are certainly the mountains that surround the village: Monte Rosa, the second highest mountain in the Alps, and other mountains of the Monte Rosa Alps such as Corno Bianco and Monte Tagliaferro. In the territory of Alagna Valsesia, then, flow the Olen and Bors torrents, whose basin originates from the glaciers of Monte Rosa, and the Sesia river, which forms spectacular waterfalls.

Even from a territorial point of view, Alagna Valsesia is a very interesting municipality. With its population of 729, it is the largest municipality in the province of Vercelli and borders Switzerland through the municipality of Zermatt in the canton of Valais. Its territory is also part of the Sesia Val Grande geopark, since 2013 a UNESCO Global Geoparks Network heritage site.

Exploring the beauties of Alagna Valsesia

The Side Valleys of Alagna Valsesia

From the valley floor of Alagna Valsesia, five side valleys branch out that are worth exploring. The Val d'Otro, for example, is known for its perfectly preserved Walser villages and the massive rocky structure of Corno Bianco. The Olen Valley, on the other hand, is crossed by the ancient mule track that leads through the coll d'Olen to Gressoney-La-Trinité. The Bors Valley, instead, is famous for its rich alpine pastures that belonged in the Middle Ages to the counts of Biandrate.

The Sesia Valley, with its high peaks and spectacular glaciers, is very popular among tourists. Through the pass of Turlo, it is possible to connect Alagna Valsesia with Macugnaga and the Anzasca Valley. Finally, the Mud Valley, climbing along the mule track that leads to Rima in Val Sermenza, it is possible to observe the characteristic profile of Monte Tagliaferro.

Origins of the Name

The origin of the name "Alagna Valsesia" is a topic of discussion among historians. Some believe it derives from the Germanic language "Land", in Italian "land" or "country". Others, instead, believe it derives from the term "olen", although the origins of this term are still unclear.

Conclusions

So here is a brief summary of everything you need to know about Alagna Valsesia. If you love nature, mountains, and breathtaking landscapes, this municipality could be the ideal place for you. Its territory is characterized by a rugged and wild geography, but also very suggestive. In addition, the side valleys offer spectacular landscapes and are ideal for those who love hiking. Coming to discover Alagna Valsesia will be an unforgettable experience.

Davide Neri
Wrote by Davide Neri
Updated Friday, Apr 15, 2022