Hike among the ancient pastures of Ornavasso

The Walser people colonized Ossola coming from Valais and settling in Ornavasso as well. These people left signs of their culture in the valley, dotting it with pastures that still hide in their names the traditions and meaning they gave them.

The itinerary starts from the sanctuary of Madonna del Boden (“flat land” in Walser language). The sanctuary, following a legend, was built in 1530 after a miraculous event happened to a young shepherdess who, while following her cattle lost in the night, saved herself from a precipice thanks to a miraculous light that lead here back to her home.

The trail proceeds in the chestnut and beech woods, crossing and discovering the ancient Walser pastures:

Alpe Faramboda (“plain of ferns”);

Alpe Ulmeini (“land of the community”), a noble pasture that offers a wide view on Corni di Nibbio of Val Grande. A short detour leads to a panoramic point, where the sight opens towards the Toce’s plain, lakes Mergozzo and Maggiore, Montorfano and lake Orta;

Alpe Breitavon (“large slope”);

Alpe Lisangorto (“white garden”) where, following a legend, two young bride and groom were often noticed going down to the valley with heavy baskets. When a neighbour saw some golden coins in their house, the inhabitants deduced the existence of a gold mine nearby, discovered by the kids. The rumor spread quickly and the young left the pasture, feeding the legend that the mine really existed;

Alpe Steit (“stone”);

Alpe Sarledi (“loading place”).

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