Fobello

Welcome to Fobello, in Valsesia!

If you are looking for a small mountain town where you can relax surrounded by nature, Fobello is the right destination for you! Located in the northeastern part of Piedmont, in Valsesia, the town offers breathtaking scenery and numerous outdoor activities.

The physical geography of Fobello

The territory of Fobello, which has only 186 inhabitants, presents very marked variations in altitude, from 778 to 2459 meters above sea level. The position of the town, at the end of one of the two branches of the Val Mastallone, makes it an ideal place for those seeking tranquility and wanting to enjoy the view of the mountains.

Fobello: between mountains and traditions.

The origin of the name Fobello

According to an ancient legend, Fobello owes its name to an imposing Fagus tree that stood near the town. However, some argue that the word "Fobello" derives from the Valsesian dialect and refers to a rich and cultivable territory.

The history of Fobello

The population of Fobello has always lived on agriculture, pastoralism, and emigration, with many inhabitants moving to Europe for work. The town is famous for being the birthplace of Vincenzo Lancia, founder of the Lancia car company.

The symbols of Fobello

The coat of arms of the municipality of Fobello consists of three Beech trees, the central one being the highest, all in natural colors, which represent the term "Fó" which in dialect means "beech". The municipal banner is a blue flag with the coat of arms of the municipality.

Society in Fobello

The population of Fobello has always been small, but demographic evolution is stable. The town is famous for its ancient traditions, such as the distribution of Paniccia, a mixed vegetable soup, tripe, and salami during Carnival. Additionally, on Fat Tuesday, masked masters make noise around the hamlets, disturbing the sleep of the inhabitants with bells and empty milk cans. Another occasion to celebrate is Pentecost, when Fobello and Rimella exchange blessed bread. On the day of the Saints, instead, people gather around a big fire to roast chestnuts.

The craftsmanship of Fobello

In Fobello, you can admire the working of puncetto, a needle lace used to decorate tablecloths, handkerchiefs, and traditional costumes.

Come visit Fobello, enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountains, and immerse yourself in the ancient traditions of this picturesque mountain town.

Davide Neri
Wrote by Davide Neri
Updated Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022