Discover Passo: trails and Walser history

For a stay in Passo, the trails to Salecchio and the history of the Walser settlement take center stage. Other highlights include the former defensive barrier in Passo, the Oratorio di San Giulio, and nature and mineral-related attractions in the municipality of Premia. This lets you plan around specific interests: a walking route, cultural history, or geological formations.

On foot to Salecchio

Salecchio is in the vicinity of Passo and can be reached from there on foot via a mountain trail. The old Walser colony was founded in the 13th century by German settlers who had emigrated from the Valais. Its origins and founding date provide two specific reference points in Walser history: emigration from the Valais and settlement in the 13th century. A hiking route leads from the hamlet of Passo di Premia to Salecchio Superiore; a country road also runs from Passo to Salecchio.

The walk from Passo to Rifugio Zum Gora in Salecchio Superiore is listed as taking two hours. Walking conditions can vary, so treat this duration as a guide for planning your day. The routes can be distinguished by their destinations: Salecchio is associated with Walser history, while the two-hour estimate refers to the walk to Rifugio Zum Gora.

Historical traces

Passo once had a historic defensive barrier intended to repel enemy incursions. The Oratorio di San Giulio dates from the 16th century and was renovated in 1666. Its construction date and renovation mark different phases in its history: the renovation took place after its origins in the 16th century. The defensive barrier and the oratory thus offer different historical themes, from defense to the history of religious architecture.

Natural formations and minerals in Premia

The Marmitte dei Giganti are located near Maiesso, in the municipality of Premia along the River Toce. These distinctive rock erosion formations were carved out of the rock by the force of a glacier’s meltwater. This process is central to the natural attraction: the formations are the result of glacial erosion and show how glacial meltwater shaped the rock. This sets them apart from a historic building, whose history is shaped by human use and alterations.

In the municipality of Premia, the Museo Mineralogico Don Giovanni Bonomo displays a collection of 3,333 minerals, arranged by name and place of discovery. This system presents two perspectives side by side: a mineral’s name and where it was found. The collection offers a different experience from the Marmitte dei Giganti. There, the focus is on a rock formation shaped by meltwater; here, it is on a selection of minerals organized by name and place of discovery.

Cycling towards Alpe Vova

A cycling route leads from Passo towards Alpe Vova; the route described continues from there to Motto. The two place names help make sense of this route: Alpe Vova lies on the way towards Motto. Unlike the walk to Salecchio, this is a cycling route with different destinations. When planning, you can therefore choose between the hike to the Walser settlement and the cycling route towards Alpe Vova and Motto.

Discover more destinations: Intra, Bracchio, Pallanza, Valstrona, Someraro, Ceppo Morelli, Antrogna, Brovello-Carpugnino

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