Aurano: Hillside Setting, Churches and Paths through Chestnut Forests

Hillside setting and peaceful landscape

Aurano lies at an altitude of 683 metres on a sunny, very steep hillside. Dense forests surround the village, which overlooks the Val Intrasca. The landscape is rich in colour and peaceful, in harmony with nature. This creates a destination where landscapes and cultural discoveries stand closely side by side, without imposing a single focus.

Sacred sites with far-reaching views

The parish church of San Matteo dates from the 18th century. In front of its pronaos is a panoramic, terraced churchyard. Here, the site combines architectural character with open views across the landscape.

The Oratorio di San Michele Arcangelo was built in the 18th century and later extended and embellished. From the parish church of San Michele, a dense network of paths leads through chestnut forests and offers numerous walks. If you enjoy combining buildings and trails during your stay, these two places provide different points of interest.

Alpine pastures and military paths

The Alpeggio di Piaggia can only be reached on foot from Scareno via the old mule track. At the Alpeggio di Piaggia, the small Oratorio della Madonna del Rosario has largely preserved its original architecture unchanged.

In the Passo Folungo–Pian Vadà area and its surroundings, there is a dense network of military mule tracks, trenches, forts, communication trenches, artillery positions and observation posts. These place names and structures add another dimension for anyone who sees paths not merely as connections, but also as part of the landscape.

Outdoor activities and local traditions

There is an e-bike rental station at the ticket office and arrival point of the Lago Maggiore ZIPline. In addition to hiking, cycling can therefore be one of the activities you take into account when planning your own trip.

At the Festa di Sant’Antonio, the saint is celebrated every year with a holy mass and a short procession. Historical candles decorated with sacred icons and liturgical symbols are carried during the procession. The Festa ends with an auction of local products provided by residents.

In its cellars, the Circolo Libero Pensiero preserves a historic wine press connected with the former production of wine from local grapes. This gives the local wine tradition a tangible place in the character of the village.

Which interests suit you

The combination of architecture, landscapes, paths, festivals and wine tradition leaves you with several ways to discover Aurano. When choosing your hotel or accommodation, it makes sense to first decide what you would most like to focus on: would you like to visit sacred sites, walk through chestnut forests, explore military trail systems, or discover local customs and products? Your accommodation choice can therefore reflect how you plan to spend each day, without reducing the village to just one theme.

More destinations

Madonna Del Sasso, Vogogna, Piedilago, Mergozzo, Passo, Cavaglio-Spoccia, Omegna, Pallanza

To the main travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.