Gravellona Toce between Archaeology and Landscape

Gravellona Toce will appeal to you if you would like to get to know a place through more than just a single theme. Archaeology, historic buildings, trails with lake views, riverside landscapes and a local chocolate event offer different ways of experiencing the destination.

Archaeology and Historic Townscapes

At the Antiquarium, the exhibition “Memorie dal passato: l'abitato e la necropoli di Pedemonte” focuses on Felice Pattaroni’s excavations in Pedemonte from the 1950s. These excavations uncovered the remains of an ancient settlement dating from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD, as well as the remains of a necropolis dating from the 5th century BC to the 4th century AD. Visits to the Antiquarium are free of charge and possible only by prior appointment.

One of the distinctive buildings is the Castello del Motto in Gravellona Toce: it is a ruined fortified complex on a rocky outcrop on the right-hand orographic bank of the Strona stream, at an elevation of 325 metres above sea level. In this context, “right-hand orographic bank” refers to the right bank when looking in the direction in which the stream flows. The Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Pietro was built in the 12th century. It has an 1862 façade in the Neo-Renaissance style and an 1856 bell tower built on blocks of pink granite. The upper part of Gravellona Toce is considered a historic village, known in Italian as “borgo antico”.

Trails with Views of the Lake and Mountains

Route VN1 leads from Gravellona Toce to Mottarone and runs along the ridge to Alpe Colma, offering particularly impressive views. The Via per Pella runs along the western shore of Lake Orta; from there, it offers a beautiful view of the lake, San Giulio Island, Orta and the entire eastern shore. This allows you to plan your outing according to the landscape and the route.

Gravellona Toce is the final stage of the Via Francisca. The Ciclabile del Toce begins in Gravellona Toce, leads to the banks of the Toce River and crosses a small metal bridge over the Strona stream.

Other Destinations in the Area

The area around Gravellona Toce is home to Villa San Remigio and Palazzo Flaim, both palaces. Nearby, you will also find Parrocchia San Pietro Apostolo, a church, and Antica cava del marmo di Ornavasso, a cave. Also located in the area are Museo Internazionale Design Ceramico, a museum, Punta Fenore, a summit, Funivia del Sasso del Ferro, a viewpoint, and Cima delle Tre Croci, a summit.

A Local Accent

The Sagra del Cioccolato in Gravellona Toce reached its 19th edition.

Other Places for Orientation

For further orientation, you can also discover Casale Corte Cerro, Arizzano, Craveggia, Masera, Antrona Schieranco, Varzo, Premia and Gurro.

For the higher-level travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.