Discover Varzo: History, Nature and Mountain Sports

Varzo combines traces of history with experiences in nature and the mountains. The Torre Medioevale and the Roman Bridge represent the town’s history; the Parco Naturale Alpe Veglia and Stage SI E59 of the Sentiero Italia CAI lead into the mountain landscape. San Domenico Ski offers winter sports, while a Mass is held at the Oratorio di San Giacomo during the alpine pasture season.

Natural Area and Mountain Trail

Varzo is one of the municipalities located within the Parco Naturale Alpe Veglia. A particularly direct connection between the town and the mountain landscape is provided by Stage SI E59 of the Sentiero Italia CAI: it begins on foot in Varzo at an elevation of 573 metres and leads to Alpe Veglia (Cornu).

The stage from Varzo to Alpe Veglia (Cornu) is 16.2 kilometres long. The 16.2 kilometres refer to the entire stage. For hike planning, the starting point in Varzo at 573 metres and the destination, Alpe Veglia (Cornu), should therefore be considered as corresponding yet clearly separate fixed points on this specific route.

History in the Heart of Varzo

The Torre Medioevale is a solid granite structure near the town hall in the heart of Varzo. It already existed in 1300, when Varzo’s local statutes were drawn up. Together with other towers in the Ossola area, it served as an observation and signalling post.

The Roman Bridge and Its History

The Roman Bridge replaced an Augustan bridge that had been destroyed by flooding from a mountain stream. The remains of this earlier Augustan bridge are still visible beside the tunnel, right in the middle of the stream. The Roman Bridge itself is a well-preserved round-arch bridge with cobblestones and is still usable. The name Roman Bridge refers to this surviving crossing; the Augustan predecessor remains visible beside the tunnel as a trace of the earlier structure.

Winter Sports at San Domenico Ski

San Domenico Ski has downhill runs of all difficulty levels and more than 20 kilometres of downhill runs. There is also a practice area and ski instructors who enable beginners to take up skiing step by step. When planning your time at San Domenico Ski, you can distinguish between runs of all difficulty levels and a gradual introduction on the practice area with ski instructors. Those skiing there can also include the more than 20 kilometres of downhill runs in their daily plans, in addition to choosing the difficulty level.

A Seasonal Event at the Oratorio di San Giacomo

During summer Sundays in the alpine pasture season, the Rosminians celebrate Mass at the Oratorio di San Giacomo for residents of the mountain pastures and holidaymakers.

Arriving by Train

A train service from Brig to Domodossola stops at Varzo railway station.

More destinations: Baveno, Cannobio, Barbè Superiore, Santa Maria Maggiore, Gurrone, Trarego Viggiona, Alpe Devero, San Domenico

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