Vocca: Geology, Culture and the River

Vocca can be explored through a range of themes: historic religious buildings and bridge history sit alongside geological sites and activities on the Sesia River. Practical access arrangements are also important when planning your trip. If you are looking for a hotel in Vocca, you can first consider whether culture, geology or river sports will be the main focus of your stay.

Culture and Historic Buildings

The Chiesa Parrocchiale Pievana di San Maurizio Martire was built between 1769 and 1777. Inside are valuable works of art of artistic and historical interest. The Ponte pensile di Isola di Vocca is a historic 19th-century suspension bridge, but it is no longer in use. You can view the old bridge from the new bridge; you must not walk onto the suspension bridge itself.

The Oratorio della Madonna della Neve is an old building with valuable architectural features. Access is possible upon request to the mayor.

Geology and Trails

The Geosito di Isola di Vocca is part of the UNESCO Sesia Valgrande Geopark. It is freely accessible via trails with suitable trekking equipment. Val Gavala is considered an area of significant geological interest because of the discovery of a fossil supervolcano. Another geological site is Vocca Island 1, with its outcrop beneath the bridge over the Gavala stream.

The Rivalenti Trail near Isola di Vocca leads to the deep rocks along the Sesia River. Classified as easy, the trail starts and ends in Isola di Vocca and is 800 m long.

The circular Sentiero dell’Arte “Le frazioni alte di Vocca. Uomini e santi sul versante meridionale del monte Lavaggio” was introduced and inaugurated in 2026. It passes through the hamlets of Molliane, Fossati and Sassiglioni on the left side of the valley, hydrologically speaking, above the parish centre. The trailhead for the Chiesa-Colma di Lavaggio route can be reached from the large municipal car park in Località Chiesa, on the SP299.

The Sesia and River Activities

In the stretch near Vocca, the Trancia and Slalom rapids lie on the Sesia River. Canoeists and rafters use them. Vocca is home to Italy’s first river sports school, which has been operating continuously since 1978. Part of the Gavala stream is designated as a fly-fishing reserve.

Mogliani and Monte Lavaggio

Mogliani combines a historic craft tradition with places to visit. Until the 1950s, the village was known for making baskets, gerle (traditional carrying baskets) and Valsesian cradles from small wooden shingles. Excursions to the mountain pastures and historic aqueducts on Mount Lavaggio start from Mogliani.

Access and Trip Planning

Access conditions vary by site: the old suspension bridge can be viewed from the new one, access to the Oratorio is possible upon request to the mayor, and the Geosito is freely accessible via trails with suitable trekking equipment. These differences can help you plan the focus of your stay in Vocca around the visits and activities you have in mind.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Motta Dè Conti, Alagna Valsesia, Riva Valdobbia, Valduggia, Vercelli, Serravalle Sesia, Cigliano, Desana.

For the main travel overview: Vercelli.