Discover Vocca: Nature, Culture and River Sports

Vocca Between History and Landscape

Vocca is a destination for travellers who want to combine local history, geological features and active experiences. Highlights include the parish church of San Maurizio Martire, the landscapes along the Gavala and Sesia rivers, and paths through the various hamlets and along the mountain slopes. The different sites offer varied ways to experience the surroundings: some tell stories of construction and craftsmanship, while others lead to rock outcrops, river landscapes or historic connections.

Buildings with a History of Their Own

The Chiesa Parrocchiale Pievana di San Maurizio Martire was built between 1769 and 1777. Its interior contains valuable works of art of artistic and historical interest. The church is therefore a specific point of interest for anyone wishing to discover Vocca’s cultural side.

The history of the area also includes the Ponte pensile di Isola di Vocca, a historic suspension bridge from the 19th century that is no longer in use today. The old bridge can be viewed from the new bridge; the suspension bridge itself may not be entered. The Oratorio della Madonna della Neve is an old building with architecturally valuable features. Access is possible upon request to the mayor.

Geology and Trails Through the Surroundings

The Geosito di Isola di Vocca is part of the UNESCO Sesia Valgrande Geopark. The geological site Vocca Island 1 features an outcrop beneath the bridge over the Gavala stream. The geosite is freely accessible via paths with suitable trekking equipment. Val Gavala also has a distinct geological profile: the discovery of a fossil supervolcano makes it an area of significant geological interest.

The Rivalenti Trail near Isola di Vocca is an easy path to the deep rocks along the Sesia River. The trail starts and ends in Isola di Vocca and is 800 m long. Another landscape experience is offered by the Sentiero dell’Arte “Le frazioni alte di Vocca. Uomini e santi sul versante meridionale del monte Lavaggio”. This circular route passes through Molliane, Fossati and Sassiglioni on the left-hand hydrological side of the valley, above the parish centre.

The starting point for the Chiesa-Colma di Lavaggio trail can be reached from the large municipal car park in Località Chiesa on the SP299.

River, Craftsmanship and Local Perspectives

The Sesia River has the Trancia and Slalom rapids in the section near Vocca. They are used by canoeists and rafting enthusiasts. Sesia Rafting is located at Località Isola 3, 13020 Vocca VC. The Gavala stream is also partly designated as a fly-fishing reserve.

Vocca has a special connection with the water through Italy’s first river sports school, whose history can be traced back to 1978. Excursions to the mountain pastures and the historic aqueducts on Mount Lavaggio begin in Mogliani. Until the 1950s, Mogliani was known for the traditional craftsmanship of baskets, gerle and Valsesian cradles made from small wooden shingles.

Further destinations for your own orientation: Varallo, Pila, Scopello, Campertogno, Serravalle Sesia, Motta Dè Conti, Carisio and Trino.

For the broader travel overview: Vercelli.