{{filter.label}}

Holidays in Ornavasso

Loading properties

No properties were found

Settled since ancient times—two Celtic-Lepontii necropolises from 2nd century?BC/1st century?AD were found in San Bernardo and In Persona

In the 14th?century, Walser German immigrants established what became the southernmost Walser settlement, lasting until the late 19th?century. Today, traces remain in dialects and Carnival traditions

During WWII, the town served as the Valtoce Partisan Division base

Notable Sites & Monuments
Sanctuary of Madonna del Boden, perched at ~475?m, linked to a local miracle legend from 1528. A circular-plan shrine above Ornavasso with historic artwork and Via Crucis frescoes

Sanctuary of Madonna della Guardia, featuring a medieval guard tower, richly restored after wartime neglect

Parish Church of San Nicolao—Renaissance-style basilica with facade and interior marble from the nearby quarry, including twin side chapels and a 62.5?m tall bell tower

Ancient Marble Quarry of Boden, once supplying marble for the façades of Milan Cathedral, Certosa di Pavia, and Arco della Pace. Today it's visitable underground and hosts seasonal shows, including Grotta di Babbo Natale in winter

Typical Food & Gastronomy
The cuisine reflects Piedmontese traditions: polenta, local cheeses, hearty game (e.g. wild boar from Migiandone), and regional risotto.

Gastronomic tours and cooking classes nearby cover pasta, tiramisù, regional risottos, and visits to local cheese-aging cellars

Festivals & Events
La Vita tra Leponti e Walser (May 1st): an enogastronomic stroll through historic courtyards with tastings of local specialties and crafts, celebrating the Lepontii and Walser heritage

Orna Trail (April/May): a mountain race with routes from 8?km (Nordic walking) to 34?km, crossing scenic terrain around Ornavasso

Sagra del Cinghiale (October): game-focused fair in Migiandone featuring boar dishes, artisan markets, and folklore demonstrations

Grotta di Babbo Natale (December): the dramatic marble quarry transforms into Santa’s Grotto, one of Italy’s largest children’s holiday events

Bid-Walser community gathering—Walsertreffen held in fall brings folk groups from across the Alps in traditional dress and music

Activities & Nature
Numerous hiking and biking trails such as the route through the Cadorna Line fortifications and sanctuaries—an 8?km MTB loop with riverside sections and mountain views

Day hikes to Monte Cortevecchio or lakes like Mergozzo and Rose Lake offer panoramic nature excursions

Quarry tours are great even on rainy days, allowing you to explore massive vaulted underground chambers carved of marble

For tranquility lovers, the town’s vantage at the edge of the Ossola plain provides peaceful Alpine panoramas

Shops & Local Flavors
While Ornavasso is small, you’ll find local artisan shops and weekly markets offering cheeses, cured meats, honey, and crafts.

Nearby Mergozzo or Verbania markets offer a wider array; cooking- and wine-focused experiences also operate around Lake Maggiore and Baveno region

Agriturismi in the hills often sell their own produce—wine, cheese, preserves—and some offer hands-on cooking.
Click to show the map