Trontano: Hiking, Mills and Architectural History

Trontano lies at the entrance to Val Vigezzo and overlooks the Domodossola plain. The destination can be explored through several specific highlights: a trekking route to the alpine pastures and mills along the Rio Graglia, historic religious buildings, and a September celebration dedicated to the porcini mushroom. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether trails, architectural history or regional festival cuisine matters most to you. The route details and the festival’s fixed timing offer different considerations.

Hiking and Trail Features

The “Trontano, Parpinasca and Val Grande” trekking route can begin in Domodossola and use the Ferrovia Vigezzina-Centovalli, with a stop in Trontano. The third stage leads to the alpine pastures of Trontano and offers the opportunity to visit the Mulini del Rio Graglia. Another characteristic feature of the trekking route is a bridge with a chapel in the middle. It is considered the last surviving example of its kind in Val d’Ossola.

When planning your hike on the Sentiero della Sposa, take the difficult sections into account: there are long stretches with chains, an iron footbridge and a few metal steps. Recent work has been carried out to improve route safety. Check current conditions before setting out.

Churches, Architecture and Mills

The Chiesa Parrocchiale della Natività di Maria and its bell tower date back to the end of the 10th century. Most of the original church’s architectural and decorative features are still present or clearly recognizable. The apse was completely destroyed during the 17th-century renovation. The frescoes in the central and side aisles were restored in 2004.

The Oratorio di San Giacomo stands on a small hill behind the parish church, surrounded by vineyards and flower-filled meadows. It was probably built in the second half of the 17th century, at least in its interior, in a typical Baroque style. The Torre di Creggio is a signal tower dating from the 13th century. The surrounding villages are considered examples of spontaneous architecture using Beola and Serizzo stone.

The Mulini del Rio Graglia consist of six small stone mills arranged in a row along the Rio Graglia, visible from both the railway and the road. The former mill site was enhanced through the “Il ciclo della segale” project, which reconstructed the buildings, milling equipment and water channel, and restored the bridge and votive chapels.

September Festival and Regional Cuisine

The Sagra del Fungo is an annual September festival in Trontano dedicated to the porcini mushroom. Traditional dishes include mushroom risotto and the characteristic pastry “credenzign”, prepared in Trontano’s old ovens. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the dates of the relevant year’s edition in advance.

Discover more destinations: Crodo, Cesara, Omegna, Valstrona, Vignone, Domodossola, Premosello-Chiovenda, Someraro.

View the broader travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.