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The Valley of the Painters

The Vigezzo Valley lies in the farthest north-western corner of Piedmont, just a few kilometres from the Swiss border, enclosed by the Lepontine Alps. The 7 villages of the valley in their mountain setting have a rich history made up of a blend of art, culture and nature.

Broad and sunny, and with inhabited settlements on both of its sides, the Vigezzo Valley is widely known as the Valley of the Painters. Many artists were born here, and many more were inspired by its beauty to paint landscapes and portraits which over the centuries have had an impact on the whole valley.

The valley’s strong artistic heritage continues to be felt and seen in its fine country houses, both large and humble, its museums and its many churches. The whole valley is full of wayside shrines and little churches containing examples of religious art, paintings or frescoes by local artists such as Borgnis, Cavalli and Fornara. An interesting feature is the large number of sundials (104 have been counted) painted on public buildings and private houses throughout the valley.

A unique institution is the School of Fine Arts, opened in the 19th century in Santa Maria Maggiore by the painter G.M.Rossetti Valentini: nothing less than an Alpine painting school, it is the only one of its kind.