Verbano-Cusio-Ossola

The region of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola has historically been a strategic transit point between the Alps and the Italian peninsula. Originally inhabited by Celtic and Lepontii tribes, this geography gained military and commercial importance within Italia after coming under the rule of the Roman Empire. The valley of the Toce River secured the trade routes leading north over the alpine passes.

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the lakes and islands that characterize the region grew in strategic significance. Notably, Lake Maggiore came under the control of the influential Borromeo family, who transformed the famous island of Isola Bella into an architectural and cultural masterpiece. Concurrently, as a pivotal development in religious history, the Sacro Monte di Domodossola was constructed as part of the sacred mounts system.

In the modern era, the regional artistic and natural heritage became preserved within the Landscape Museum (Museo del Paesaggio). As indicated on the local Map, the rugged terrain also fostered a prominent resistance movement during World War II within the deep Val Grande Forests. Throughout the centuries, local communities have sustained culinary traditions tied to their history, such as producing Bettelmatt Cheese and preparing traditional Gnocchi Oxolani.