Aurano: Nature, Churches and Historic Trails

Landscape and Village Character

Aurano lies at an altitude of 683 meters on a sunny, very steep slope. Dense forests surround the village, which also overlooks the Val Intrasca. The landscape is colorful and peaceful, in harmony with nature. The hillside setting, forest and views of the valley define Aurano’s natural character. Those choosing a destination for its landscape and cultural heritage will find two distinct focal points here: the natural surroundings and the history reflected in its churches and old trails.

The parish church of San Matteo in Aurano dates back to the 18th century. In front of its pronaos is a panoramic, terraced churchyard. This layout gives the site a clearly defined spatial arrangement: the terrace-like square lies in front of the portico and opens onto the landscape. Sacred architecture and panoramic views thus come together in one specific place. The church’s period of construction places it in its historical context, while the churchyard shapes its exterior appearance.

Hiking and Historic Trails

A dense network of trails leads from the parish church of San Michele through chestnut forests, offering numerous hiking routes. The starting point, the wooded surroundings and the many possible hikes give this area its character. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The Alpeggio di Piaggia can be reached from Scareno only on foot, via the old mule track. The starting point and type of access are clear: the route begins in Scareno and leads on foot along a historic trail to the Alpeggio. Unlike the network of trails starting from San Michele, this route provides access to one specific destination. Mountain trails can be affected by seasonal conditions, so check trail conditions before setting out.

At the Alpeggio di Piaggia, the small Oratorio della Madonna del Rosario has retained much of its original architecture. Its preserved appearance makes the oratory a point of interest for anyone interested in the history of sacred architecture. Together with the old mule track, it offers a cultural focus in which the building and the historic route are equally significant.

The Passo Folungo–Pian Vadà area and its surroundings also have a dense network of military mule tracks, trenches, forts, communication trenches, artillery positions and observation posts. These varied structures offer insight into a diverse military heritage: routes, fortifications and observation points all form part of this history. This is a different historical focus from church architecture or trails through chestnut forests. Since conditions can change at higher elevations, check trail conditions before hiking.

Traces of Earlier Wine Production

The Circolo Libero Pensiero preserves a historic wine press in its cellar. It is associated with the past production of wine from locally grown grapes. This adds a theme of processing and everyday life in earlier times to the sacred and military aspects of the area’s heritage. The wine press represents a tangible link between grapes from the surrounding area and their processing in the past.

The attractions mentioned can be clearly distinguished when choosing an excursion: San Matteo and the Oratorio della Madonna del Rosario represent sacred architecture; the network of trails starting from San Michele leads through chestnut forests; and the path from Scareno to Piaggia links an old mule track with a specific destination. At Passo Folungo–Pian Vadà, the focus instead shifts to military structures. This makes it easier to choose based on the kind of experience that interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Pontegrande, Varzo, Bognanco, Madonna Del Sasso, Antrogna, Casale Corte Cerro, Trontano, Baveno

For the main travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.