The Piedmontese Alpine Arch is a mountain range of the Piedmont.
To know
Geographical notes
The Alpine arc surrounds all of Piedmont from north-east to south-west and has some of the most important peaks of theItaly including the Monviso, the Gran Paradiso and the Monte Rosa. There are also many lakes: dal Lake Maggiore, the Lake Orta and the Viverone Lake up to the multitude of alpine lakes that dot the valleys. In this area, to enhance the uncontaminated nature of the places, several natural parks have been established including the Val Grande National Park, the Gran Paradiso national park and the natural park of the Maritime Alps.
When to go
Of particular importance are the naturalistic and historical-cultural attractions, which make the alpine environment a destination suitable for all seasons. An example are the characteristic alpine villages, many of which are considered among the most beautiful in Italy, and important architectural works such as the Sacra di San Michele, overlooking the Val di Susa, and the Sacro Monte di Varallo. As far as winter tourism is concerned, it is ensured by internationally renowned ski resorts, many of which have hosted the competitions of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympic Games.
Territories and tourist destinations
From north-east to south-west:
Urban centers
- Biella - Located at the foot of the Biellese Alps, it is an ancient city that gathers important historical buildings in its village, not to mention the very important evidence of industrial archeology.
- Domodossola (Domo in German, Döm in walser in Lombard and Dòm in Ossola dialect) - The main center of the Ossola Valley with its characteristic market square for its fifteenth-century arcades. Other places of interest are the fourteenth-century tower of the bishop's palace, the sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve and several palaces.
- Ivrea - Capital of the Canavese area, it is surrounded by gentle hills. Due to its beauty and industrial vocation, the twentieth century city has been nominated as a UNESCO heritage site.
- Omegna (Umegna in Lombard) - Of interest are the "Forum" arts and industry museum, the ancient bridge, built in the fifteenth century, the Roman gate of the twelfth century and churches such as that of Sant'Ambrogio.
- Susa (Italy) - At the center of the homonymous valley, it is an exchange point for commercial and tourist connections from Italy to France.
- Verbania - On the bank of the Lake Maggiore is the capital of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. Intra and Pallanza are the two historic centers that have been united to form the city of Verbania. However, there are still two parts with different nature: Pallanza more suggestive, with medieval atmospheres; Intra more modern, with an industrial past, an important port of call on the lake.
