Ossola Valley has a very rich architectural heritage that is mainly characterised by old buildings made of wood and stone, natural elements found in these mountains.
This unique patrimony consists of architecture that is at times truly extraordinary. It is an excellent reason to discover the area’s ancient villages and small hamlets, where time seems to have stood still.
The ancient architecture of the Ossola Valley also testifies to the history of its people, who respectfully and intelligently planned the area where they lived.
Naturally, visitors wonder at the beauty of churches, noble buildings, towers and bell towers, yet in Ossola Valley it is small structures, so-called minor, community buildings that still radiate extraordinary charm: the unmistakable flagstone roofs, classic “mushrooms” and Blockbau tecnique used for Walser houses and the majestic hydroelectric plants designed by architect Piero Portaluppi.
Everything in this mountain land embodies highly unique, unusual architecture that derives from an intersection of the different styles which the area witnessed over the centuries due to the influence of the people who controlled it: Ligurians and Lepontii, followed by Etruscans, Celts and finally the ancient Romans. Indeed, the little temple of Roldo in Montecrestese, the oldest building in Ossola Valley, which is still well-preserved, is attributed to the Lepontii.
