Malesco: Stone Tradition, Cultural Heritage and Nature in Valle Vigezzo

Malesco combines cultural tradition, religious heritage, local cuisine and tranquil natural landscapes in Valle Vigezzo. Stone is a major focus: the Ecomuseo della Pietra Ollare e degli Scalpellini encompasses the cultural and traditional heritage of Malesco in Valle Vigezzo, Piedmont. The Museo Archeologico della Pietra Ollare of Parco Nazionale Val Grande in Malesco features a permanent exhibition on soapstone and stonecutters. The history of this material also includes soapstone extraction in Valle Loana at Curgibin, in the Malesco area.

Stone, Local History and Special Cultural Sites

The Ecomuseo Malesco offers themed tours, experiences, workshops and tastings. One tour leads through the historic centre and reveals numerous stone elements characteristic of Malesco. This makes it possible to explore the local building tradition not only through exhibitions, but also through the townscape itself.

A historic point of interest is the washhouse in Malesco. It dates from 1895 and has housed a themed exhibition about the life and work of Giovan Maria Salati since 2007. He was the first man to swim across the English Channel, in 1817. The international short film festival Malescorto also forms part of the town’s cultural identity: it has been held in Malesco at the end of July for more than twenty years.

Churches and Religious Heritage

In Finero, the oldest part of the parish church dates back to the second half of the 15th century. From 1658 onwards, the church was expanded several times. Above Finero Church, the Oratorio della Madonna di Loreto stands on a rocky outcrop and is also known as Madonna Nera.

The religious tradition is also reflected in an annual event: on the second Sunday in September, the statue of the Madonna Nera is carried in procession to the parish church of Finero on the occasion of her feast day. There is also a Via Crucis beside a church square, consisting of eight artistically designed chapels from the early 19th century. Some of these chapels were painted by Lorenzo Peretti di Buttogno and Carlo Gaudenzio Lupetti di Prestinone.

Local Specialties and Events

If you are interested in regional cuisine, Malesco offers several specific points of interest. Since 2016, a festival dedicated to three traditional specialties has been held in the historic town centre: runditt are thin flatbreads made from flour and water, while turtei are a type of fritter. Turte ad San Per is a San Pietro cake dedicated to Saint Peter and based on the traditional panelatte cake. The tastings and workshops of Ecomuseo Malesco reflect the thematic character of local traditions.

Nature Among Paths, Ponds and Waterfalls

Oasi Pian dei Sali is a flat, marshy area with small ponds shaded by pine trees, making it a suitable habitat for amphibians. A circular path of approximately 2 km leads through this landscape. For nature enthusiasts, it therefore provides a contrast to the stone-related cultural sites and historic buildings.

Another natural attraction is the Cascate dei Camini waterfall: in extremely low temperatures, it can freeze into a large sheet of ice. The outdoor options also differ in terms of their format, which may be useful when planning your activities. The local network of paths includes the cycle path between Malesco, Re and Santa Maria Maggiore, which is also suitable for families. The Patqueso–Pizzo Ragno hiking trail can be reached from Malesco via the road into Valle Loana. After approximately 4 km, there is a small car park with a bus stop on the left-hand side of the road.

Further Destinations

For further orientation: Domodossola, Nonio, Fondotoce, Craveggia, Cesara, Verbania, Antrona Schieranco, Quarna Sotto

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