domodossola tourism

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Domodossola

Things to do in domodossola, explore popular experiences, tours in and around domodossola.

Family tasting - A little tasting

Ossola Valley Winery Tour with Tastings

Wine Tasting in Domodossola

Private Tour of Borromean Islands with Micaela Guide

Borromean Islands Private Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour from Stresa

Stresa: Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella Hop-on Hop-off boat tour

Private Tour of Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta with Micaela

The three Borromean Islands with a private tour guide

Unique Lake Maggiore Day Trip from Milan

Private Boat Tour on the Lake Como

Top attractions in domodossola.

Other Top Attractions around Domodossola

What travellers are saying

• Piazza del Mercato
• Sacred Mount Calvary of Domodossola
• Alpe Lusentino
• Palazzo di Città
• Palazzo San Francesco
• Sentiero Stockalper
• Pista ciclabile Domodossola - Villadossola
• Ferrovia Vigezzina - Centovalli
• L'Officina del Cioccolato

Domodossola, Italy, town in scenic Alpine scenery with an important baroque sanctuary

Visit Domodossola

Domodossola is a small town in the Val d'Ossola, surrounded by picturesque mountains in the Alps of north-eastern Piedmont and close to the border with Switzerland.

Explore Domodossola

The highlight of a visit to Domodossola is the charming medieval centre and the attractive arcaded houses to be found here, and the unspoiled medieval ambiance.

Start your visit in the central square, called Piazza Mercato (trans: Market Square), where you can see several of the most noteworthy buildings.

The variety of houses around the edges of the square, often different heights, or with balconies, porches and arcades, makes this square very interesting. Note how some of the arches feature carved ornamentation.

Be sure to also follow Via Briona from here to see the 14th century Bishop's Palace.

The most important church here is the Collegiale Church of Santi Gervasio and Protasio, built in the 18th century on the site of an earlier church (although much of the facade except the entrance was only added in the middle of the 20th century). Inside the church are several frescoes and paintings.

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You can also see a small part of the medieval Mattarella castle that once stood in the town.

In the Palazzo Silva, dating from the 14th century and designed in the renaissance style, there is now a small museum featuring numerous artefacts of historical importance dating from as far back as the etruescan (pre Roman) era.

Also in Domodossola an important highlight is the Sanctuary of the Crucifix (Sacro Monte Calvario). Note the combined clocktower / belltower then follow the devotional path leading between chapels that represent the Stations of the Cross.

This 17th century baroque style ensemble is now a listed UNESCO heritage site, as part of a group of seven sacred sanctuaries in Piedmont

Mountain scenery around Domodossola

While Domodossola itself is interesting, it is also the surrounding scenery and villages of the Ossola valley that attracts visitors here.

From Domodossola many visitors head to the train station to take the exceptionally scenic train ride towards Locarno (Switzerland). This train passes through a stunning valley, with numerous little stations en-route where you can leave the train and go exploring, and is unmissable if you are in this part of Piedmont.

If you don't have the time (or the funds) for the train be sure to explore some of the countryside in the Ossola Valley and the other valleys in the region of Domodossola, where alpine streams and waterfalls, a mountain backdrop, and pretty forests and fruit orchards combine to make a lovely setting.

Note: photo shows Simplon pass near Domodossola - a mountain pass between the Pennine Alps and the Lepontine Alps in Switzerland

You can find more local travel ideas in the Piedmont guide .

Map of Domodossola and places to visit

Domodossola places to visit.

Verbania, on the Borromean Gulf of Lake Maggiore, is famous for the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto

Isola Madre

Isola Madre, one of the Borromean islands of Lake Maggiore, has a villa and extensive English style gardens to explore

Isola dei Pescatori

The Isola dei Pescatori is one of the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore, and has a traditional fishing village to explore

Borromean islands

The Borromean Islands, in the centre of Lake Maggiore, feature lovely villas and gardens and are a highlight of a visit to Maggiore

Isola Bella

Isola Bella, one of the Borromean islands in Lake Maggiore, is best known for its extraordinary Palazzo Borromeo and gardens

Stresa, on the western side of Lake Maggiore, is the main resort for visitors to the lake

...or see all our recommended places to visit in Piedmont

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Nerdy Footsteps

A weekend travel blog

Domodossola: what to do in and around the beautiful Swiss Italian border town (with 10 best day trips)

Updated on: July 20, 2022

Deciding between where to travel next, Switzerland or Italy? What if I tell you that you don’t need to choose one or the other. How do you ask? Domodossola is the answer!

Domodossola is a petite Italian town surrounded by the Alps in the Piedmont region in the northwest of Italy. What makes it special is its location: It is an important railway junction connecting the train routes between Switzerland and Italy. It is a hub for trains connecting Milan to Geneva, Bern, Lausanne, Interlaken, Zermatt, and many other Swiss cities. This also means that it is a perfect town if you want to stay in Italy and have daily trips to beautiful lake regions in Italy and gorgeous alpine towns in Switzerland.

Domodossola is a historical town in Val d’Ossola and is the center of seven alpine valleys. To be honest, we did not know about the existence of Domodossola till the night before our Geneva to Milan train ride. We later found out that this small border town is well known in southern Switzerland for being a cheaper shopping town. People from the neighboring Swiss cities visit here on Saturday for utilities tagged at much cheaper prices than their native Switzerland.

When we arrived there Saturday morning, we were pleasantly surprised to see the market square, Piazzo Mercato, oozing with people curiously bustling around. The whole old town was covered with small temporary shops selling everything from bread, fresh produce, clothes to bags, and even kitchen utilities.

More than the market area and its chatter, my attention was drawn to its old and beautiful buildings. Nonas were enjoying their coffee from the balcony while spying on the market activities downstairs. Teatro Galletti, the local theatre, which is an important cultural building in the town, stands proud on the center square itself. It also has a 14th-century Briona Tower in front. Another important building from the same era but in more Renaissance style, Palazzo Silvia is now a museum showing the different finds from the Roman and pre-roman eras, including the fragments of Egyptian mummies.

After a while, we took a break for lunch at the restaurant just in front of the train station. I usually avoid that but the clock was ticking and we had to catch our connection to Milan. Since the place was swarming with locals, we took our chances. The people were nice and the service was very fast. The pizza tasted better than what it looked like but just okay on the Italian scale but the coffee was great, creamy with a dash of bitterness, and was perfect for my I-woke-up-too-early-on-a-Saturday kinda day.

Note: This post may contain some affiliate links. If you purchase something through those links, I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Since Domodossola has such a great location between Italy and Switzerland, it can be a good hub for traveling around if you are staying longer in this area. Some of my favorite locations that can be easily visited from this beautiful border town are listed below. Most of these destinations are just one to two hours away from Domodossola (max is 2.5 hours) and hence perfect for a day trip from this gorgeous Italian town. Here are 10 beautiful locations you can visit from Domodossola, Italy are:

1. Lake Maggiore , Italy

  Lake Maggiore was my love at first sight, even though the sight was from a wobbly train carriage navigating its way from Domodossola to Milan. The lake was shimmering even with the faint touch of sun rays. The small islands in the lake caught my attention and I made a mental note to stop here on our way back from Milan to Lausanne. And I am so glad we did.

Lago Maggiore, nestling among the southern Alpine foothill, is broad and majestic. I have a full post dedicated to my love for lago maggiore and its islands . If you plan to spend your day there, I highly recommend visiting the three Borromean Islands. While they might seem a bit touristy in summer, just the gardens alone at the Isola Bella island are worth every penny. To add to the glory, the views of other coastal towns from the islands are divine. Small green towns and villages with the backdrop of the alps, and water, deep blue water all around, is a sight to behold. 

While the lake itself is stunning, I highly recommend visiting the islands. We took a hop-on and hop-off ticket to the islands and I think it was the best way to explore the lake. One ticket can give you access to all the islands and you can choose how much time you want to spend on each of them.

Plan your trip: Domodossola to Lake Maggiore

Closest train station: Stresa, Italy. There are frequent boats from the ferry terminal to the islands. You can also buy a hop-on and hop-off ticket for visiting all the islands, which I highly recommend.

Time by car: 35-40 minutes

Time by train: 20 minutes by EC train (15 euros one side) or 27 minutes by regional train (4.15 euros one side, more frequent and way cheaper than the EC option). There is a short walk of about 10-12 minutes from the train station to the ferry terminal.

Tickets and updated prices: Train tickets , Ferry tickets

2. Milan, Italy

 The fashion and financial capital of Italy is not far from Domodossola. With its designer boutiques, cool aperitif bars and chic restaurants, Milan is a cultural delight. When in Milan, you cannot miss the extravagant gothic cathedral, the Duomo. Visitors travel from faraway lands to witness the artistic masterpiece of The Last Supper but I can highly recommend visiting Vinci’s scientific experimental pieces at the gallery near the Duomo . I have a complete guide for spending the best two days in Milan which you can use as a guide for what to do when in Milan.

Plan your trip: Domodossola to Milan

Time by car: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Time by train: 1 hour and 20 minutes by EC train or 1 hour and 40-45 minutes by regional train. 

Tickets and updated prices: Get your train tickets here !

3. Zermatt, Switzerland

 Zermatt is the cousin we all have and are envious of: rich, stylish, and luxurious. It is known for its skiing resorts that are open all year. But the tourist magnet for this region is the iconic Matterhorn (Yes! The Toblerone mountain). Don’t get too charmed by this famous peak as more than 500 climbers have died trying to reach the top! You can enjoy amazing views of this Swiss beauty in a less risky way by taking a historical cogwheel train to the Gornergrat viewing platform . This Alpine railway is Europe’s highest open-air rack railway and provides you with unparalleled views of the photogenic Matterhorn and the Gorner glacier. There are many impressive walking/hiking trails from Gornergrat. Fan of cable cars instead? You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic ride in the crystal cable car from Zermatt to Klein Matterhorn . If you want to stay overnight, you can consider 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, which is the highest-altitude hotel in Switzerland.

Plan your trip: Domodossola to Zermatt

Time by car: About 1 hour and 45 minutes

Time by train: About 2 hours

Tickets: SBB (Swiss train tickets) , Cogwheel train to Gornergrat . Buy tickets in advance for getting the best prices as SBB provides early-bird discount kinds of deals (up to half price!) on most of the routes. They also offer discounted fares on some trains at specific times to control overcrowding on other trains. So, check your schedule and plan ahead for the best ticket prices.

4. Interlaken, Switzerland

 If I ask you to close your eyes and imagine the swiss landscape, and the first picture that pops into your head is of green sloped alpine meadows, cows grazing through them, ringing their bells in sweet sunshine. There is a lake at a comfortable distance competing with the grandeur of the peak next to it. If this is your version of the swiss landscape, congratulations, you are in the Bernese Oberland. At the heart of this region lies Interlaken, which is one of the biggest touristy sections of Switzerland these days. And rightly so, it offers many diverse landscapes and opportunities. Some of the most incredible country roads are often interrupted by majestic waterfalls. My favorite thing to do around Interlaken is to take a train to Grindelwald and explore First and Bachalpsee . I have documented my experience in this article about First and Bachalpsee , including some budget tips!

In spite of being highly commercialized over the years, this is my favorite part of Switzerland. And if you want to see most of what Switzerland has to offer in a limited time, Interlaken and the surrounding region is your best bet.  If I have to choose just one day trip from Domodossola, I would probably pick Interlaken!

Plan your trip: Domodossola to Interlaken West

Time by car: 2 hours and 40 minutes to 3 hours

Time by train: 1 hour and 35-50 minutes (depends on the connection and transfers)

Tickets: SBB (Swiss train tickets)

5. Spiez and Niesenbahn, Switzerland

 Spiez is a beautiful town at the horseshoe-shaped bay of Thunersee (Lake Thun) in the Bernese Oberland. For history enthusiasts, there is a medieval castle Schloss Spiez , right on the bank of the lake with some beautiful vineyards in its neighborhood. For the lovers of the adrenaline rush, various water sports opportunities await. You can also treat yourself to the marvelous boat tours in lake Thun. Undoubtedly, the highlight of this region is the funicular that runs to the top of Niesen and gives unparalleled views of the three iconic peaks in this region: the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Plan your trip: Domodossola to Spiez and Niesenbahn

Time by train: 1 hour by EC and 1 hour and 30-40 minutes by regional trains (depends on the connection and transfers)

Tickets: SBB (Swiss train tickets) , The Niesenbahn funicular is open from mid-May to mid-November. Please check the exact dates on the website above before planning the trip.

6. Bern, Switzerland

 Encircled by the mighty Bernese Alps, the bear-loving swiss capital feels like a walk back in time. The UNESCO-protected old town has plenty of fountains that have been standing strong since medieval times (regularly maintained and refurbished obviously). While these fountains are already admired by the visitors, I would like to bring some attention to the magnificent bridges in this beautiful town . Bern is home to many beautiful bridges from different eras, from the small stone bridge from ancient times to the modern train bridges over the river Aare, which makes a spectacular u-turn in the old town of the city. Another spectacle in the old town is the 16th-century astronomical clock, just a few steps from the bear park where you can spot some bears lazing around. Yes, Bern loved bears, they even have it on their coat of arms.

Plan your trip: Domodossola to Bern

Time by car: About 3 hours

Time by train: 1 hour 40 minutes by EC and 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes by regional trains (depends on the connection and transfers)

7. Locarno, Switzerland

 The train route from Domodossola to Locarno is a very special narrow-gauge track that runs over beautiful bridges, idyllic gorges, and up inclines. And hence you should not miss the panoramic train service connecting these two cities, by Centovalli Vigezzina. Locarno, like most of the cities/towns in Ticino, is a balanced mix of Mediterranean delights and swiss economies. After reaching the Locarno, the stunning town on the northwestern shore of Lago Maggiore, you will find yourself amusing over the many piazzas in the city. You can’t miss the Mediterranean flavors in this Italian-speaking city. Be it the countless piazzas, pizzerias, or gelato stores.

If you are there in early August, you might be able to attend the international film festival, the Festival del Film Locarno . Locarno is appreciated for having the mildest climate in Ticino, and you should not be surprised to know how popular this city is for Swiss and German retirees who want to either settle down here or have a second/retirement home here.

Plan your trip: Domodossola to Locarno

Time by car: 1 hour by the shorter route, 1 hour 20-30 minutes by the route next to the Lake Maggiore

Time by train: 2 hours

Tickets: Centovalli Vigezzina , There are some special panoramic trains for the same route.

8. Montreux, Switzerland

 Jeweled with the spectacular waterfront on Lake Geneva, Montreux is an ideal day trip from Domodossola. It is also the host of the annual summer jazz festival where you can enjoy a number of free jazz performances There seems to be a deeper music connection in Montreux as the Deep Purple song Smoke on the water was also penned down here after a building was flame close to the waterfront. The walk around the waterfront is highly recommended every season, even in winter as one of the largest Christmas markets in Switzerland is hosted here.

For a magnificent view of Lake Geneva and Montreux town, take the mountain cable car to Caux and Rochers de Naye. I will also recommend a visit to the Chillon castle when in Montreux. If you have more time, you should definitely consider exploring the swiss riviera with this stunning boat cruise from Montreux , taking you through Geneva, Chillon castle, and some stunning landscapes of the swiss and french alps.

Plan your trip: Domodossola to Montreux

Time by car: About 2 hours 30 minutes

9. Valais and Saint-Léonard underground lake , Switzerland

Valais comes from the Latin word for the valley and rightly so it contains about 47 peaks. And in these amazing valleys, swiss grow their wines. Sounds like a classical Switzerland trip? Valais is Switzerland’s prime wine-producing canton. So, if you have time for a day trip, sip and sample some of the best Swiss wines. My recommendations for white wine will be Fendant and Johannisberg. They pair well with fondue and raclette as well. One of the attractions that I enjoyed in this area is the Saint-Léonard underground lake,  the largest underground lake in Europe. The boat is also accessible by boat and frequent 30-minute boat tours are offered. Check the link below for directions, timings, and tickets.

Plan your trip: Domodossola to Saint-Léonard lake

T ime by car: About 1 hour 50 minutes

Tickets: SBB (Swiss train tickets) , Saint-Léonard underground lake

10. Lausanne , Switzerland

I might be biased towards this destination as Lausanne was my home for almost two years. Being a student city, Lausanne is young, chic, and multicultural. This sloped city offers a scenic panorama of the Alps and Lac Leman. The promenade near the lake, Quai d’Ouchy is often bustling with families enjoying the scenic walk and relax in one of its many beautiful parks like the park surrounding the Thai Pavilion, Parc Olympique and St. Sulpice. Why be content with just a walk around the promenade when you can actually take a scenic boat ride to Evian in France . Being home to the headquarters of the Olympic committee, Lausanne also has Musee Olympique that offers a lively program, often with some special exhibitions. One of the biggest attractions here is Cathedrale de Notre-Dame, the beautiful early-Gothic building in Switzerland. While the tainted windows make for an enchanting interior, the view of the city from the outside of the cathedral is breathtaking as well.

Plan your trip: Domodossola to Lausanne

Time by car: 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours

Time by train: 2 hours by EC and 2 hours 20- 45 minutes by regional trains (depends on the connection and transfers)

Saving money on tickets:

Travel can be expensive, especially in and around Switzerland. You should know some tips and hacks to save some money on the tickets. You will need every penny you save for the fare of the spectacular but expensive cable cars, funiculars, and boat rides. Here are some of my suggestions:

1. Regional trains: As you might have noticed in some of the tips above, it is cheaper to travel by regional trains compared to the long-distance and faster EC/IC/ICEs trains. For example, the price from Domodossola to Stresa is about 4.15 euros one way when using the regional trains and the journey takes about 27 minutes. For the same distance, you might end up paying about 15 euros one way if traveling by the faster trains which take about 20 minutes. If you are traveling with family/friends/groups, these savings add up to significant amounts.  For the example above, the difference in traveling time is not significant but for longer distances, it can be. So, you have a tradeoff between time and price. Always make an informed decision by checking the different options beforehand.

2. Advance tickets: Most of the transport companies in Europe (especially for train services) offer cheaper tickets if you buy tickets in advance. On the SBB website (Swiss transport), you can find tickets for even half the price if you book in advance. I have observed similar offers on German and Italian online ticket booking systems. I would definitely recommend checking the travel options at least 7-10 days before your day trip.

3. Cheaper train timings: Not all trains for the same route are priced equally. To avoid overcrowding some specific trains, there are some cheaper train options every day to attract travelers and hence distributing the crowds. So, always check the prices beforehand and plan your travel accordingly.

3. Period tickets: It always helps to check the return journey whenever booking the tickets for day trips since it is very common to have a better price for day tickets. Check the details of your tickets before buying it, since sometimes it might even include the regional/local transport inside your destination city. For example, when I buy regional tickets in Germany, I always check if I can get the ‘+city’ option. Having this option means I need not worry about my bus/tram transport from the train station to the point of attraction in the destination city.

4. Swiss train passes: If you are planning to do multiple day trips across Switzerland in a short time, either from Domodossola or any Swiss city, I will highly recommend getting one of the Swiss passes. Using these passes you can use most of the transport inside the country within the validity period of your pass. The pass also offers discounts on many of the museums/gondola/cable cars and other tourist attractions etc. There are different offers like 3 days, 4 days, and other options till 15 days. They even have a family swiss pass option, if you are traveling with kids. To know which pass to buy, check more details on the SBB website itself .

Being an Italian city so close to Switzerland definitely has its advantages. Not only can you witness the two inherently different cultures melting together in this Swiss-Italian border town, but it also makes a perfect spot for convenient day trips to a varying range of attractions in both Italy and Switzerland.

What do you think about this cute alpine town? Do you think it is worth making a pitstop? Or as a hub for planning day trips across north Italy and Switzerland? Which day trip/trips will you take from Domodossola? Let me know in the comments below. You can also get access to the map of these destinations by subscribing below:

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Susmita says

November 21, 2016 at 6:09 am

What a refreshingly charming place it is! And an equally interesting name 🙂 thanks for sharing… will have it on my list for the next authentic Italian experience- sans the pizza here 😛

Pankaj Verma says

January 7, 2020 at 12:44 pm

Your Blog is Very Good. and Pictures are so beautiful. Keep the good work

October 6, 2021 at 2:02 am

Just finished the blog. So helpful tips. A question – if I make my base in Domodossola, any suggestion around hotel? Also, would March be too cold?

Nisha Dalal says

July 20, 2022 at 11:06 am

I am so sorry. I don’t know what went wrong but I am just seeing all the comments now. March could be cold in this part of Europe, but not freezing cold. Let me know if you are still looking for hotel option in Domodossola.

Jaleh Simpson says

April 1, 2023 at 11:27 am

Thanks for sharing.

October 10, 2021 at 5:18 am

I have been thinking about a trip to Lugano and surrounding area now I officially can come up with a good plan adding this little border town to it. I need to do More home work thou. But thank you for the wonderful suggestions and all the details as to how to.

July 20, 2022 at 11:04 am

My pleasure 🙂

Barbara McIntosh says

October 18, 2021 at 11:37 pm

Loved your full blog and suggestions about Lake Maggiore and Domodossola. Will be flying into Geneva August 2022, spending 4 days in Montreux and Zermatt, and of course visiting the area around Interlaken & Bern. Am getting a Swiss Golden train pass, but I haven’t worked out all the train routes yet. So much to see but would love to include the trip from Geneva to Milan at the end of our Swiss travel experience with being able to see the places you’ve highlighted in Italy. We are staying almost 2 weeks (hopefully!) Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

July 20, 2022 at 11:14 am

Hey Barbara, I am sorry I am just seeing the comments now. some technical issue. If you still need suggestions, let me know 🙂

Rajeev says

December 16, 2021 at 8:46 pm

Hi Nisha great blog! I connected with it very closely as I have been to all these places particularly while I was working in Geneve! I always ran off to Italy on Fridays returning to Geneve on Mondays! While I find Switzerland dull and boring, italy Is absolutely sensational – diverse, edgy, interesting, exciting, passionate and authentic! And their food is just incomparable .. I love Turin too in Piedmont! Great work and keep going

July 20, 2022 at 11:03 am

Thank you, Rajeev and I am so sorry. I missed your comment and I am just seeing it. Italy is, as you said, sensational and the regions are so different from each other. Feels like different countries nested together in one.

James Wong says

October 24, 2022 at 9:09 pm

Hi dear, is the train ride from Domodossola to Zermatt covered in Swiss Travel Pass? Thanks!

Jan D. says

December 31, 2022 at 2:49 pm

I am interested in hotel, airbnb recommendations in Domodossola in May/June 2023.

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Domodossola

• 1.1 History
• 2.1 By train
• 3 Get around

Domodossola is the largest city in the Ossola district, and the second-largest city in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, in Piedmont , in Northwest Italy .

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Domodossola was the chief town of the Lepontii when the Romans conquered the region in 12 BCE.

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ].

Trains run from Milan and intermediate towns such as Verbania , from Brig in Switzerland through the Simplon Tunnel, and from Locarno in Switzerland at the northern end of Lake Maggiore .

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ].

• Collegiate Church of St. Gervasius and Protasius
• Palazzo Silva . A 14th century building housing a civic museum containing Etruscan and Roman remains, fragments of Egyptian mummies and so on.
• Sacro Monte Calvario . One of the Sacri Monti (Sacred Mountains) of Piedmont and Lombardy, which together are a World Heritage Site.
• Sempioniano Civic Museum . A museum on the history of the Simplon Pass and the Simplon Tunnel.

Do [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ].

• Street market . Sa 8am–3pm . Day trippers come from Switzerland just for this big market. ( updated Apr 2015 )

Eat [ edit ]

Drink [ edit ], sleep [ edit ], connect [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

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Domodossola and its traditions

Domodossola , located in the centre of seven Alpine valleys, is the nucleus of a borderland, a crossroads of trade and culture and the authentic heart of Ossola Valley. It is a place of constant discovery thanks to its incredibly beautiful old town. Domodossola is also a gateway to its “seven sisters”, the seven Ossola valleys , which, from this plain between the peaks, branch out into neighbouring Switzerland to the north and the romantic, spectacular lake area (Maggiore, Mergozzo and Orta) to the south: each has its own peculiarities and each can thrill you every day, in every season of the year.

Domodossola is a pretty town located in the heart of the Ossola . It is nestled in the valley of the Toce river, which is formed by the confluence of many alpine streams, including the three (Hosand, Gries and Rhoni) which, from upper Formazza Valley, create one of the most impressive sights in this corner of Piedmont, the famous Toce falls . Domodossola is the centre that unites the Ossola valleys and it can be easily reached from every direction thanks to fast, efficient road and rail links . It is a borderland, a land of passage. Following the opening of the Simplon Tunnel in 1906, an important railway connection between Italy and Switzerland, Domodossola has expanded and the international atmosphere that still permeates this city in the centre of Europe can be felt more than ever. The physical, political and administrative capital of Ossola Valley has just over 18,000 inhabitants and is located at an altitude of 270 metres. Not far from the city, the Ossola peaks reach their greatest heights: first and foremost, Monte Rosa , the second highest mountain in the Alps after Mont Blanc, which has an elevation of 4634 metres. The Domodossola area is truly captivating, both in summer and winter, due to its extraordinary mix of nature, culture, events and outstanding gastronomy, which makes it the ideal destination for a special holiday.

Are you asking why the word Domodossola sounds familiar? The credit belongs to Mike Bongiorno inventor, in its TV game shows, of the expression “ D come Domodossola ” (“D for Domodossola”), adopted today by the italian phonetic alphabet.

However, Domodossola has not always been known by this name: historically, it was referred to as Oscela , Oscella and Oxila . The name Domus Oxila emerged later. In the late-11th century, it very probably acquired the name of burgus (village); in 1700, it was named Burgus Domiossulae .

For centuries, Domodossola has also been a recognized, highly appreciated outdoor shopping centre : you only have to walk through its streets and squares to discover dozens of stores, antique shops and businesses that make it a popular first-rate shopping destination, especially among foreign tourists. The best shopping day is Saturday , when you can also visit the town’s famous market , which has very ancient origins. It extends through the streets and squares of the town centre, offering a wide range of products and a mix of scents and sounds that make it one of the most important and busiest markets in the entire region.

Typical Domodossola craftsmanship has always been based on exploitation and enhancement of mountain resources : many artisan businesses deal with processing and transformation of wood, stone, iron, clay and natural elements , producing valuable furniture and furnishing elements that are truly unique and inimitable.

Ossola Valley is above all a land of stone . Nineteen different types are mined and processed in the different valleys: varieties of marble, gneiss , Serizzo and granite also give the mountains in this area an unusual structure. Stone is used in particular for roofing, buildings and artistic works, as well as for private homes and commercial purposes in Italy and around the world. Stone material from some quarries, specifically those in Candoglia in the municipality of Mergozzo , is still used today – and has been since 1836 – first for the construction and then for the constant maintenance of one Italy’s symbolic monuments, Milan Cathedral .

Domodossola’s gastronomic products , delicacies that are sometimes “humble”, but can satisfy the most demanding palates, are typical of mountain tradition : black bread , made with rye flour, cooked in wood-fired ovens and formed from traditional dough or dough enriched with raisins and walnuts, as well as Ossola-style gnocchi , corn flour for polenta , cured meats , hams and local sausages. Cheese also plays a major role in Ossola cuisine. The most famous is undoubtedly Bettelmatt , the product of the passion and great skill of cheesemakers based in seven alpine pastures at the northernmost tip of the Ossola. However, there are also many high-quality cow’s cheeses and goat’s cheeses , both fresh and aged , made by individual farmers and cheesemakers or in the valley dairies, such as Antigoriana Dicrodo and Vigezzina . Latteria Antigoriana di Crodo produces Ossolano , a cheese that is unique to these valleys and has received the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) designation. The local honeys are also delicious, as well as the wines ( Prünent is particularly famous and popular, an ancient wine with characteristics very similar to Nebbiolo).

Domodossola is increasingly focused on events that attract visitors all year round . It combines these events with a blend of flavours and stories that you can discover during a tailored holiday. The calendar is packed throughout every season of the year : from BimbinDom , an event dedicated to children, to the Christmas Markets in the Borgo della Cultura , cultural seasons, rallies, cinema under the stars in Domosofia and finally, Tastèm Inséma , an authentic triumph of local flavours.

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Domodossola

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Hiking Highlight

Domodossola is the reference city both as a city in the valley bottom as well as in the Toce plain. Important connection point for high mountain towns and villages. It … read more

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Fort Gondo was built entirely into the mountain during World War II. The fortress can be reached from above via a long tunnel that can be used by bike. It … read more

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Castello di Vogogna

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Things to do in domodossola, explore popular experiences, tours in and around domodossola.

Family tasting - A little tasting

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Private Tour of Borromean Islands with Micaela Guide

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Top attractions in domodossola.

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What travellers are saying

• Piazza del Mercato
• Sacred Mount Calvary of Domodossola
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• Sentiero Stockalper
• Pista ciclabile Domodossola - Villadossola
• Ferrovia Vigezzina - Centovalli
• L'Officina del Cioccolato