Balmuccia: Mountain Trails, Chapels and Geological Features

Balmuccia Among Mountain Trails and Geological Features

Balmuccia combines striking mountain trails with sites of cultural and historical interest and unique insights into the landscape. The Valsesia Supervolcano extends from the municipal area of Balmuccia to that of Prato Sesia; in Balmuccia, it is particularly possible to observe the deepest part of the supervolcano.

Hiking Trails with Changing Landscapes

The route from Balmuccia to Alpe Cavurgo Superiore begins in Balmuccia at an elevation of 560 m, reaches 1,350 m and has an elevation gain of 790 m. This elevation gain is just as relevant to planning the hike as the starting point and destination. Beech forest and the clearing of delle Piane form two distinct sections of the trail.

At the destination area of this route stands a chapel dedicated to Beata Panacea. It was restored by the “Montagna Antica, Montagna da Salvare” mountain committee of CAI Varallo.

There is a small car park at the starting point of trail 220 in Mogliani. For a different way of getting around, the Sentiero delle Felci offers a distinct option: it makes it possible to avoid the provincial road at least as far as Boccioleto. The two pieces of information concern different trails and starting situations and should therefore be incorporated separately into your day planning.

Rocks and Peaks Around Balmuccia

The Lavaggio route from Mogliani to Cima Lavaggio crosses a peridotite formation and passes a scree slope made of this rock. The scree slope consists of the same rock that forms the peridotite formation.

Another prominent mountain point is Monte Ventolaro. At 1,830 m, it is probably the most representative and most panoramic peak in its group. At 1,830 m, Monte Ventolaro is also higher than the starting point of the route to Alpe Cavurgo Superiore at 560 m.

Santa Margherita and Cultural Insights

The parish church of Santa Margherita was built in 1600. It can be reached via a public road; there is a large car park in the immediate vicinity.

The ossuary is located opposite the church. It depicts the scene of Tobias and Tobit burying the dead, as well as the “Field of Ezekiel” filled with dry bones. The two depictions give the visit a narrowly defined thematic focus that relates directly to the furnishings of this site.

The Teatro Sociale was completely restored and reopened in 2008. The restoration and reopening in 2008 took place significantly later than the construction of the parish church in 1600. Together with the parish church and the ossuary, it broadens the cultural perspective on Balmuccia with a theater building that has its own more recent history. When exploring the area, sacred art, historic architecture and theater culture can thus be viewed as different facets of the town.

More Places for Travel Planning

Rimella, Trino, Cellio, Campertogno, Serravalle Sesia, Rimasco, Valduggia and Carisio

For the broader travel overview: Vercelli.