History of Valsesia
Valsesia is known as the “greenest valley in Italy”, rich in uncontaminated nature and breathtaking landscapes. The paradise for sportsmen who can practice both winter sports and numerous summer disciplines.
The Sesia river offers the possibility of fishing and water sports, while the mountains offer the possibility of trekking, more or less demanding, mountaineering, climbing, trials and paragliding.
A paradise also for lovers of walking, days that pass slowly through relaxation, ancient hamlets to see and explore and experiences to try. All at the foot of the Monte Rosa massif which dominates the valley and on which the Capanna Regina Margherita refuge stands, the highest refuge in Europe with its 4,554 meters of height.
Valsesia is a land of very ancient traditions, handed down and safeguarded to this day. Its history is in fact characterized by the presence of the Walser people.
Between the end of 1200 and the beginning of 1300 some communities of Germanic origin (dating back to the Valais territory, hence the name “walliser” contracted into “walser”) settled in the territory of Alta Valsesia, founding new high-altitude villages altitude, above a thousand metres, where no one else had yet dared to settle. Here they adapted to the harsh life of the high mountains and settled in the typical wooden and stone houses where they began an agricultural and pastoral activity.
The first settlement was that of Rimella, followed by Alagna, Val Vogna, Rima and Cacoforo. In some areas, the “Walser” language is still spoken today.
(source: raccontapassi.it)