Ghiffa: Sacro Monte, Forest Trails and Cultural History

The Museo dell'Arte del Cappello

The Museo dell'Arte del Cappello is housed in the original buildings of the former Cappellificio Panizza. Cappellificio Panizza was founded in 1881 and ceased operations in 1981 after one hundred years. The Museo dell'Arte del Cappello displays old machines and equipment used at Cappellificio Panizza. Film and photographic documentation complements the exhibitions on hatmaking, offering insights into production and the life of the company. The museum offers guided tours and workshop activities for groups and schools throughout the year by reservation.

Nature Reserve and Landscape on Monte Cargiago

The Riserva Speciale del Sacro Monte della SS. Trinità di Ghiffa extends over approximately 200 hectares on the slopes of Monte Cargiago. The reserve stretches from the Sacro Monte at 360 metres to the summit of Monte Cargiago at 713 metres, near Pollino at 790 metres and down to the hamlet of Caronio at 500 metres. Traces of old terraces used for cultivating the autochthonous rüsera grape variety have been preserved on the slopes of Monte Cargiago. The mixed deciduous forests from Lago Maggiore via Cargiago to the Santuario della Trinità are criss-crossed by paths and mule tracks and offer views of the upper Lago Verbano. The valley of the Rio Ballona below Cargiago has a deeply incised bed with gorges and waterfalls.

Paths between Forest, Chapels and Views

Within the monumental area, the reserve offers an approximately 400-metre-long section of an accessible path that continues towards Ca’ del Bosco. The Via delle Genti begins at the Sacro Monte di Ghiffa and leads towards Deccio, Novaglio, Oggebbio and Cannero; along the way, lake views alternate with forest and meadow landscapes. Along the Via delle Genti, contemporary art installations enter into dialogue with the landscape. The Ghiffa–Ronco–SS. Trinità route follows an old stone-paved path through the forest to the monumental area of the SS. Trinità. The „Segni sulla pietra“ nature trail leads to engraved boulders that may be associated with early settlements and were connected with the agro-pastoral use of Monte Cargiago. The „Una Riserva nel Verde“ nature trail begins at an equipped area in Ronco di Ghiffa, leads to the fitness trail and then descends to the Madonna del Porale chapel.

Access and Historic Sites

The Sacro Monte di Ghiffa can be reached by car as far as the parking areas. In the historic area, motor vehicles and bicycles are not permitted without authorisation from the Ente di gestione dei Sacri Monti. The main entrance to the Parrocchiale di San Maurizio is easily accessible; assistance is recommended for people with disabilities because of a 6-centimetre-high step.

Churches and Traditions in Ronco and Caronio

The ancient washhouse in Caronio is an example of a traditional communal facility. The Chiesa della Visitazione di Maria Vergine in Ronco was completed in a single construction phase, which ended in 1625. The Chiesa di Santa Croce was built as a simple oratory in the second half of the 17th century and became a parish church in 1954. During the feast of Santa Croce, children push a small boat filled with gifts into the church to offer it for auction. In Ronco, a building complex of ancient origin contains valuable religious wall frescoes. The Chiesa della Beata Vergine Assunta, also known as Santa Maria Assunta, is a national monument and was first mentioned in 1173 as a chapel dependent on the Pieve San Vittore di Intra.

Further destinations in the same area: Cresseglio, Brovello-Carpugnino, Stresa, Baceno, Formazza, Crodo, Arizzano, Gravellona Toce.

To the overarching travel overview: Verbano-Cusio-Ossola.