The route goes along the “Via Alta” (now Via dei Torchi e dei Mulini – Road of Presses and Mills), through the high villages between Domodossola and Villadossola, rediscovering country life among presses, mills and old ovens. In the first part, you can also visit the Domodossola Borgo della Cultura and the Sacro Monte Calvario.
From the train station in Domodossola, head up along Corso Ferraris, then Corso F.lli di Dio up to Piazza della Republica dell’Ossola, where the town hall stands. Continue to Piazza Tibaldi and then along Via Rosmini up to Largo Madonna della Neve. Take Via Mattarella and Via del Calvario as far as the Sacro Monte Calvario complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once you reach the Sacro Monte Calvario, after a visit to the monumental complex, climb to Crossiggia from where the mule track that leads to the Oratory of Sant’Antonio in Anzuno begins. Having crossed the hamlet, with its press, school and oven, you reach the valley of the Anzuno river, where you can visit the mills and the old quarry for the extraction of soapstone. After passing the Cappella dell’Oro (Gold Chapel), you’ll reach the old village of Tappia, characterised by splendid examples of traditional architecture, fountains, an old oven and a press. From Tappia the mule track begins, descending to Valpiana. From the church, a mule track leads to Gabi Valle, before reaching Rogoledo, after crossing an arched bridge. Continuing on to Quartero, you’ll soon reach Crossiggia church and return to your starting point.
Sector A “Routes”– IA05
Domodossola FS International Railway Station (from Bern and Milan).
Contact details: Riserva del Sacro Monte Calvario
CAI contact details: Domodossola Section
Refreshment areas in Borgata Sacro Monte Calvario, La Tensa and Tappia.
Easy route. The majority of the route is along mule tracks.
13 km
495 m
3 hrs 45 min
Walking boots
A00a – A01 – A03
Map no. 7 or 8 scale 1:25,000 of the Geo4Map/CAI
Digital maps on the following apps: ViewRanger – PDF Maps
