Domodossola, located in the centre of seven Alpine valleys, is the nucleus of a borderland, a crossroads of trade and culture and the authentic heart of Ossola Valley. It is a place of constant discovery thanks to its incredibly beautiful old town.
Domodossola is also a gateway to its “seven sisters”, the seven Ossola valleys, which, from this plain between the peaks, branch out into neighbouring Switzerland to the north and the romantic, spectacular lake area (Maggiore, Mergozzo and Orta) to the south: each has its own peculiarities and each can thrill you every day, in every season of the year.
Domodossola is a pretty town located in the heart of the Ossola. It is nestled in the valley of the Toce river, which is formed by the confluence of many alpine streams, including the three (Hosand, Gries and Rhoni) which, from upper Formazza Valley, create one of the most impressive sights in this corner of Piedmont, the famous Toce falls.
Domodossola is the centre that unites the Ossola valleys and it can be easily reached from every direction thanks to fast, efficient road and rail links. It is a borderland, a land of passage. Following the opening of the Simplon Tunnel in 1906, an important railway connection between Italy and Switzerland, Domodossola has expanded and the international atmosphere that still permeates this city in the centre of Europe can be felt more than ever.
The physical, political and administrative capital of Ossola Valley has just over 18,000 inhabitants and is located at an altitude of 270 metres. Not far from the city, the Ossola peaks reach their greatest heights: first and foremost, Monte Rosa, the second highest mountain in the Alps after Mont Blanc, which has an elevation of 4634 metres. The Domodossola area is truly captivating, both in summer and winter, due to its extraordinary mix of nature, culture, events and outstanding gastronomy, which makes it the ideal destination for a special holiday.
Are you asking why the word Domodossola sounds familiar? The credit belongs to Mike Bongiorno inventor, in its TV game shows, of the expression “D come Domodossola” (“D for Domodossola”), adopted today by the italian phonetic alphabet.
However, Domodossola has not always been known by this name: historically, it was referred to as Oscela, Oscella and Oxila. The name Domus Oxila emerged later. In the late-11th century, it very probably acquired the name of burgus (village); in 1700, it was named Burgus Domiossulae.
