Cicogna: Forest Paths, Alpine Pastures and Historic Traces

Cicogna offers direct access to the landscapes and stories of Val Grande. Between forest paths, old connections, alpine pastures and small cultural and historical traces, it is a destination for anyone who wants to get to know a mountain landscape step by step.

Forest, Water and Paths around Cicogna

The Pogallo da Cicogna route follows a paved mule track through deciduous forests of chestnut, ash and oak trees. Along this route, a bridge high above the mountain stream crosses the stream opposite a waterfall. In Val Pogallo, waterfalls and stretches of water also shape the landscape; the green forest is reflected in them. The educational trail A story of water adds ten information panels and twenty numbered trail markers indicating observation points to the landscape.

The path to Alpe Prà and Casa dell’Alpino also leads through large chestnut trees and climbs past the remains of old agricultural terraces. From the abandoned Alpe Leciuri at 1,311 m, there are views towards distant Pogallo as well as Cima della Laurasca, Monte Torrione, Zeda, Marona, Colma di Cossogno and beyond Pizzo Pernice. The paths around Cicogna thus reveal different sides of the same landscape: shady forest sections, water in the valley and expansive distant views.

Historic Traces and Local Stories

The Centro Visita di Cicogna houses a free exhibition on the natural, historical and cultural aspects of Val Grande. Those who take the path from Cossogno to Cicogna follow an old medieval road that connected the two places. Along the way, the path passes Sasso delle croci, a rock bearing simple crosses and the initials of mountain residents.

The ruins of a historic alpine pasture are preserved at Alpe Prà. There is also a bowl-shaped rock with around thirty cup marks, some of which are connected by channels. Pogallo was a large farmstead on the transhumance routes to the alpine pastures of the upper valley. In Al Pozzolo, at the entrance to Cicogna, the communal fountain with a livestock trough retains its original structure, with a broad stone basin and a slate roof.

The Chiesa della Madonna di Caravaggio is also part of the local history. Its construction continued for several decades into the 1720s and 1730s. In 1768 it became the parish church, and the bell tower was added in 1820.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

If you are looking for accommodation in Cicogna, you should factor the village’s particular access into your planning: Cicogna can be reached by car via a very narrow, winding road or on foot along the mule track from Cossogno. These two options shape access to the village and differ significantly in practical terms.

More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also discover Pontegrande, Scareno, Nonio, Premia, Mergozzo, Cannobio, Gurro and Cresseglio.

For the broader travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.