Premia – Thermal Waters, Rock Formations and Walser History

Premia offers several specific points of interest for a trip: thermal waters, striking rock formations, and settlement and architectural history. If you are looking for a hotel in Premia, considering which of these topics interests you most can help sharpen your view of the town.

Thermal Waters and Rock Formations

Premia’s spring water emerges at 44 °C and is classified as hyperthermal calcium sulfate water. These characteristics describe different aspects of the same spring: 44 °C indicates the temperature of the water as it emerges, while calcium sulfate describes its hydrochemical classification. Hyperthermal further classifies the temperature in technical terms. If you are interested in thermal waters, this combination is a precise point of reference for planning your trip.

At Orrido di Uriezzo Sud, the rock formation is characterized by large, almost circular hollows. Narrow passages connect the hollows, creating a contrast between spacious chambers and narrow connections. The two formations of Orrido di Uriezzo are about 300 meters long combined; this approximate length refers to both formations as a whole. Le Marmitte dei Giganti features other, hemispherical or cylindrical hollows, carved into the rock by the force of a glacier’s meltwater. Unlike the connected spaces of the Orrido, the Marmitte draw attention to the shapes of the hollows and how they were formed.

Walser History and Mineralogy

Salecchio is an old Walser colony founded in the 13th century by German settlers who had immigrated from Valais. Another historical point of reference is the Museo Mineralogico Don Giovanni Bonomo, which opened on August 3, 2002. Its collection comprises 3,333 minerals, classified by name and place of discovery; almost all were extracted in the Valle Antigorio and Formazza. Particularly valuable specimens include cervandonite, gasparite, fetiasite, asbecasite, cafarsite, chernovite and agardite. The classification links each mineral name to its place of discovery, making both the named specimens and their origins part of the collection’s subject matter.

The Tower’s History and Finding Your Way

The Torre di Cristo was built from local stone at the behest of the Duchy of Milan to warn of the danger posed by enemies. Its strategic location made it possible to observe traffic passing through the hamlet of Uriezzo. Historically, two aspects go hand in hand: the tower’s warning function and its view of traffic through Uriezzo.

When finding your way on foot, take note of the different reference points. South of the church square, a small passage leads onto an old mule track that reaches Verampio in about 15 minutes. From the hamlet of Uriezzo, another access route is via an unpaved road. As trail conditions may change, check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Crodo, Nonio, Quarna Sotto, Vignone, Santa Maria Maggiore, Aurano, Passo, Cesara

See the overview of the wider region: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.