Discover Omegna: Rodari, history and Monte Zuoli

Get to know Omegna through three distinct themes: Gianni Rodari’s children’s literature, traces of the medieval town and the attractions of Monte Zuoli. The historic centre is home to the Museo Rodari and Quartiere Vaticano; at Monte Zuoli, a path leads to the summit, with views of Lake Orta and the surrounding mountains. When planning your trip, you can consider these cultural, literary and scenic highlights separately.

Gianni Rodari and children’s literature

Parco della Fantasia is a literary and educational park for children. It introduces and promotes Gianni Rodari’s “method of the imagination.” At the Ludoteca, children can play freely or with the guidance of activity leaders. Facilities include wooden building blocks, a blackboard, a kitchen, an indoor swing and a crossword puzzle on the ceiling.

The Museo Rodari has a different focus: it is an interactive museum dedicated to Gianni Rodari and his fantastic stories. It is located in Omegna’s historic centre. The two Rodari sites therefore have distinct focuses: Parco della Fantasia is a literary and educational park for children, while the museum is devoted to the author and his stories.

The “Gianni Rodari” children’s literature festival was launched in Omegna in 2014. Its format includes a ten-day programme of theatre performances, film screenings, readings and creative activities. Admission is free, and the festival is open to all age groups. Alongside the places associated with Rodari, the festival offers a range of artistic activities.

Medieval traces and works of art

In the historic centre, Quartiere Vaticano preserves houses from the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries along Via del Butèr, now Via Alberganti. Another landmark is Porta Romana: the medieval gate was built around the 11th century and is considered the only surviving remnant of the town’s five medieval gates.

The Collegiata S. Ambrogio also brings together architectural history and art. Its original core was probably built between 960 and 969 AD. Inside is a painted and gilded wooden polyptych by Fermo Stella da Caravaggio, created in 1547. The two dates refer to different elements: the probable date of the original core and the later creation of the polyptych.

In the hamlet of Crusinallo, the Chiesa parrocchiale di San Gaudenzio houses an altarpiece by Filippo Cavalazzi, created in 1567. Together with the polyptych in the Collegiata, it offers a look at two distinct works of art and their respective dates of creation.

Monte Zuoli: trail, activities and views

The Percorso Vita Monte Zuoli connects Omegna with the summit of Monte Zuoli. Along the trail are designated rest areas with exercise equipment. The summit trail is distinct from the other activities available at Monte Zuoli: there is also a circular mountain biking route and two natural rock-climbing sites. From Monte Zuoli, you can enjoy views of Lake Orta and the surrounding mountains.

For orientation, compare it with the lakeshore: a footpath runs along the entire Omegna lakeside promenade, while the Percorso Vita leads to the summit of Monte Zuoli. This means you can choose between a waterside walk and a route with the summit as its destination, without assuming a walking time or distance.

Regional products at Forum Omegna

Forum Omegna has a shop selling local food products and handicrafts from the surrounding valleys. Its offerings complement the historical and literary themes with regional produce and crafts. You can choose what to focus on during your stay in Omegna: Rodari, medieval architecture and art history, activities at Monte Zuoli, or products from the region.

Discover more destinations: San Bernardino Verbano, Mozzio, Ceppo Morelli, Madonna Del Sasso, Mergozzo, Santa Maria Maggiore, Pallanza, Cissano.

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