Crodo, 16 kilometres north of Domodossola, is the largest town in the Valle Antigorio and is famous not only for the therapeutic properties of its spring water, but also as the home of the most famous alcohol-free aperitif in the world, Crodino, invented here in 1964.
The first records of tourism in Crodo date from 1834 and the opening of the hydrothermal facilities, now in operation only during the summer months, solely to serve the spring water in the elegant Parco delle Terme.
Dotted with small hamlets and isolated groups of typical stone houses, the territory of Crodo is still steeped in unspoilt scenery and surrounded by the silence of its most remote parts, reaching as far as the splendid protected areas of the Alpe Veglia and Alpe Devero Parks.
The small hamlets of Maglioggio, Mozzio, Viceno and Cravegna overlook the valley in sunny positions and are ideal starting points for pleasant excursions in any season of the year.
The most remote traces of human settlement in this part of the Val d’Ossola date back to prehistoric times: one of the very oldest remains still visible today is known as the Muro del Diavolo (Devil’s Wall). It is an impressive megalithic structure, which was probably used for religious purposes and important social occasions: the gigantic stone wall surrounding three sides of a wide terrace oriented according to the four cardinal points, is certainly one of the most mysterious and fascinating symbols of the millenary origins of the Val d’Ossola.
