Agrano: Discover Sacred History and Mountain Landscapes

Agrano combines sacred history with a landscape on the slopes of Mottarone. The parish church of San Maiolo, the traditions surrounding La Morta di Agrano and the mountain scenery around the village are the main highlights. The surrounding area also offers cultural attractions, as well as a short nature-focused path along a stream. Agrano therefore appeals to visitors who enjoy combining the history of Italian towns with the surrounding landscape.

San Maiolo and the History of La Morta di Agrano

The parish church of San Maiolo stands on the edge of the Agrano hamlet on the slopes of Mottarone. Its basilica layout with three naves, a large apse and a choir makes it a notable sacred building in the village. The architecture is accompanied by a distinctive local history: La Morta di Agrano was found mummified in the ossuary of the local cemetery in 1792 and subsequently became an object of veneration for the residents of the surrounding area.

The mummy of La Morta di Agrano is currently displayed in a showcase in a chapel built outside the parish church of Agrano. This specific location connects the memory of the historical event with the religious tradition that continues to shape Agrano today. Visitors interested in regional stories, sacred places and the distinctive history of small Italian towns will find an unusual focal point here.

Leandro, Reliquary and Painting

The veneration of Leandro is also part of Agrano's religious history. His relics are kept in the church of Agrano; they came to Agrano from Rome in 1663. The bones lie in the original reliquary, made in 1668. On the rear wall of the church of Agrano there is also a painting of the presumed martyr San Leandro, commissioned in 1707 by the Agrano community from an unknown painter.

Mountain Landscapes and Cycling Area

Several peaks and mountains lie around Agrano. Monte Mazzarone is in the immediate vicinity of Agrano, while Monte Trevigno, Monte Piogera and Monte Zughero are located in the surrounding area. The AGRANO–MOTTARONE area is one of three subdivisions of Omegna's cycling area.

Museums and Historic Places in the Surrounding Area

In addition to the local history, several cultural attractions can be found around Agrano. The Museo Meina is a museum in the vicinity of Agrano. The Abbazia di San Salvatore is also located there; it is a former monastery and a historic place. The Museo Del Paesaggio is situated in the wider regional area around Agrano and broadens the cultural perspective beyond the immediate village. The Villa San Remigio, a palace, is also located in the surrounding area. These different categories—museum, former monastery, historic place and palace—make it easier to choose when planning your days around an interest in art, history or architecture.

A Path Along the Stream

An approximately one-kilometre-long unpaved footpath follows the stream to a footbridge. From this bridge, the best view of the waterfalls can be enjoyed. The path complements the cultural and historical themes with a clearly defined opportunity to experience the landscape on foot. When planning your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether San Maiolo and local history, mountain landscapes, cycling or the path along the stream should be the main focus of your stay in Agrano.

If you would like to explore other destinations from the same broader selection, you can find Cambiasca, Cannero Riviera, Crodo, Antrogna, Aurano, Villadossola, Santa Maria Maggiore and Ghiffa here.

More about the region: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.