The Walser Museum in Alagna Valsesia is a place that captures the essence of the Walser community's daily life over the centuries.
The House:
In the Pedemonte hamlet, the Walser Museum has been set up in an ancient building dating back to 1628, offering a close look at the Walser architectural system in Alagna. The structure combines dwelling and stable under the same roof, utilizing animal warmth: the base consists of squared and overlapping stones, wedged into the natural slope of the terrain, providing shelter from winds and frost. The upper framework is made of large larch logs, ax-squared, properly seasoned, horizontally arranged and interlocked without the use of nails (Blockbau). This part rises to the roof covered with "Piode" or flat stone "Beole." The entire construction is surrounded, on three sides, by a covered walkway formed by wooden pillars and horizontal beams, where hay and cereals could be spread out to air and dry, sheltered from rain.
The Floors:
In the basement, you'll find the stable ("Godu") with stone slab flooring, the adjoining living area ("Stand") communicating with it, featuring wooden flooring, the kitchen ("Firhus") with cooking tools, the room for milk processing, and the area for preparing yarns and hemp weaving. The sleeping quarters, tiny and very low to conserve heat, were located on the raised floor, and the beds were mostly filled with dried beech leaves. The attic served as a storage, barn, and pantry.
The Exhibitions:
The exhibitions are carefully curated to provide visitors with an engaging and informative experience. Among the displayed items are traditional clothing, household tools, agricultural implements, and artisanal artifacts, all meticulously selected to narrate the history of this mountain community.
The Hamlets:
The Walser Museum is situated in a typical Walser settlement, self-sufficient and decentralized in scattered, small hamlets. Grouped around the community's religious protector, the few families collectively use the oven, mill, and fountain; the latter is a stone monolith often carved into two or three basins to prevent the promiscuous use of water among humans, animals, and for laundry. The chosen settlement location is always healthy and safe from landslides and avalanches. The buildings in Walser villages are consistently oriented in the same direction (the main front facing south and a wall to the north) to ensure good ventilation and maximum exposure to the sun, allowing hay or cereals placed on the lofts to make the most of its rays.
For those seeking a deeper perspective on the roots of Alagna Valsesia and wishing to better understand the historical and cultural context of the Alps, a visit to this museum is a crucial step!
When planning a day in the mountains, it's important to know where to refresh yourself! Whether you want to eat polenta or simply enjoy a mulled wine, here is the list of structures you can find open in the area.
A must-stop at:
Descending along the slope, just before reaching the village, a small detour to the Walser Fum Diss village is recommended; welcoming you is Mama Jucci of the eponymous farmhouse with products from her farm and the pulsating heart of ancient tradition. Anecdotes, tears, and laughter accompany simple dishes with an ancient flavor
On December 30th, Alagna Valsesia is getting ready to host an extraordinary evening filled with tradition, flavor, and entertainment. The event, organized by Al Grup with the support of the Municipality of Alagna Valsesia and ATL Terre dell’Alto Piemonte.
A Day Dedicated to Walser Tradition
Throughout the day, the folkloric group Die Walser Im Land will take center stage, preparing miacci, mulled wine, and hot chocolate, delighting attendees with authentic local delicacies. In Piazza Grober, the bustling heart of the village, the atmosphere will be lively thanks to the group's entertainment, creating an engaging experience for everyone.
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Thrilling Footage of Activities in Alta Valsesia
As darkness falls, starting from 5 PM, it will be time to immerse oneself in the evocative atmospheres of Alta Valsesia through the screening of exciting footage. It will be a unique opportunity to discover the natural beauty and activities that make this mountainous region truly special.
Torchlight Parade by Ski Instructors and Lighting of the Bonfire
At 9 PM, the evening will take a magical turn with a torchlight parade by ski instructors, illuminating the night with dancing lights and winter enchantment. The event will culminate with the lighting of a majestic bonfire, a symbol of warmth and conviviality.
Radio Valsesia DJ Set and Music under the Stars
From 9 PM to 11 PM, the square will transform into an open-air dance floor, thanks to the engaging DJ Set by Radio Valsesia. It will be the perfect opportunity to conclude the evening under the starry sky, dancing and enjoying the music that will accompany the final moments of the year.
The event on December 30th in Alagna Valsesia promises to be an engaging and festive experience.
In the heart of the majestic peaks of Monte Rosa, amid snowy landscapes, ancient forests, and old hamlets with wooden houses, lie the captivating Christmas traditions of the Walser people, steeped in authenticity. Their presence in the mountains has been crucial for the creation of traditions imbued with authenticity and deep meaning.
The day of Saint Stephen holds great importance in local history. Not only because it immediately follows Christmas and commemorates devotion to the first martyr, Saint Stephen, but also because, according to the Alagna tradition, it somehow reveals the altars of love! In 1840, Giovanni Giordani wrote to his friend, the theologian Farinetti: "In Alagna, the distribution of sacks has already begun, one given by Stafe Bartoli to Pietro Ferraris, another by one of Ruchlo's daughters to the youngest of the Malber brothers..." It was apparently a tradition for women to give a sack to their betrothed, symbolic of "I put you in the sack"? This took place around the time of this celebration.
The "delivery" of the sacks took place during a long-standing private house party. With the construction of the theater, the celebration shifted. Since the early 1900s, we know for sure that the festivities took place at the Union Alagnese theater with "The Youth Ball."
"Saint Stephen. Mainly a youth dance; dark attire was mandatory, preferably black for men, and white dress with an apron for the girls. During the evening, those close to marriage and the 'filarini' who wanted to keep their relationship hidden were targeted. Two young men with a hidden rope roamed the hall, and, picking a couple, quickly threw the rope around them, tying them as tightly as possible to make them noticed by all. In the next round, the young men with the rope were different, to avoid arousing suspicion among other suitors" from ALAGNA UNA COMUNITA’ WALSER.
The Folkloric Group "Die Walser Im Land" has created a dance to commemorate this tradition (Gürtil tanz). The Saint Stephen dance continues to be part of the local tradition that renews itself each year. The "young men with a rope" may be missing, but the story continues.
On January 5th, the "Eve of Epiphany": girls gathered in groups for a vigil, made highly salty migliacci to feel the thirst stimulus during sleep because, near the fountain where the girl would quench her thirst in her dream, she would find her future spouse. Also, on the evening of January 5th, it is recommended to place a bowl of water on the windowsill, which, freezing, will form the pattern of the future spouse's profession tools, according to ALAGNA UNA COMUNITA’ WALSER.
Centuries-old traditions, all centered around women. However, if you're not in the least interested in a future spouse or are already "settled," you can still try... something will happen!
The Christmas traditions of the Walser represent a cultural treasure that adds a unique touch to the festivities. Immersed in their ancient practices, the Walser teach us the importance of community, sharing, and respect for nature. If you're looking for an authentic way to spend the Christmas season, come among the peaks of Our Mountain and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of a Christmas that preserves its roots in the past and projects into the future. We await you!
Here we are in December! The season has begun! What do we offer in Alagna?
• Ice skating: open from December 8th
• Dinners and tastings at high
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Theater Events:
The Unione Alagnese Theater is the expression of the territory, a stage for special events that celebrate local culture. The unique atmosphere of the theater will enchant you. There are book presentations about the mountains, performances by the folk group Die Walser Im land, a "Nadal" concert with music from the alpine Christmas tradition, etc.
Visits and Accompaniments:
For those who decide to take a break from skiing and want to get to know Alagna, we have a schedule of guided tours during the Christmas holidays that will include:
Happy December 30th! (No, it's not a wrong date)
To conclude on December 30th, everyone gathers in the square with miacci, mulled wine, and entertainment in Grober Square by the folk group Die Walser Im land. In the evening, the most anticipated moment arrives with the torchlight parade of ski instructors and mountain guides amid play of light and music... The celebration continues with an event organized by Radio Valsesia.
Alagna Valsesia offers an experience that skillfully blends the past with the present. Guided tours and theater events are opportunities to experience culture and tradition authentically, transporting you to a world where the beauty of the mountains merges with the rich history of a community that has preserved its roots.
Include these moments in your vacation to live a complete and engaging experience. You will discover a side of Alagna that goes beyond the mountain landscape, revealing the pulsating heart of a community rich in history and tradition.
Christmas shopping is not one of my strong suits, and I would gladly avoid the 80x80m2 changing rooms where you have to remove 3 layers of clothing just to try on one! I hate crowded places and after a stressful autumn I really need to wind down. I work on the PC and as always, I check out google, uncertain whether to click on the “I’m feeling lucky” button on the homepage or do a search for a personalised destination. Opting for the second choice, I type in “slow weekend” which, in a way, is my motto and it leads me to alagna.it.
It is not a winter destination I am familiar with for a weekend in the mountains but one look at the wooden chalets and snow, and I immediately fall in love. But what strikes me is a close up of a small village taken by a drone; this is how my weekend in Alagna begins. Now, let me tell you a story.
Of all the places in the mountains to visit for a weekend in the snow, I had yet to experience Alagna and I chose the location for the name: Relais Regina in the hamlet Ca’ d’Janzo in the Vogna valley.
Imagine a charming hotel immersed in the snow, where roe deer, deer and chamois are a familiar presence. I discovered that Queen Margherita of Savoy stayed there in 1898 and I immediately felt like a princess. My breakfasts were served in a restaurant where the atmosphere of that era remains intact, and no doubt, I would be on the look-out for lingering memories. My nights on the other hand, were spent in the comfort of the modern bio-architecture of the Perello bedrooms!
The FIRST DAY was a surprise: Alagna has magnificent wooden houses, unique architecture that is so harmonious it seems unreal. There are cobbled streets and monolithic fountains everywhere. The Walser villages are really cozy and welcoming, and life flows slowly and relaxed. I wandered aimlessly through alleys and meadows. In the main square, my attention was drawn to the restaurant Ca’ Nosta. A name that certainly sounds like a guarantee, I think. And so, it is! My first dinner in Alagna was just perfect. Armando welcomed me like family and made me taste the most delicious Gattinara Travaglini. I might be banal, but a warm and fragrant polenta concia revived my smile (which was frozen in the cold!)
On DAY TWO the glare of the sun on the snow dragged me out of bed early in the morning. I decided to explore the Vogna valley on snowshoes. My walk started from the hamlet of Sant’Antonio, a gentle uphill to the hamlet of Peccia and the bridge, which is called "Napoleonic" in this area. From there, I decided to continue on a hiking path that is a little steeper; a chance to walk off my dinner! The hike made me short of breath, but I quickly reached the hamlet Montata, walked past it and found myself in a beautiful larch grove where the snow was bathed in yellow sunlight. I continued to snowshoe up to the road sign for Larecchio and decided to follow the deviation. After 15 minutes, the trail lead me to a splendid meadow where the snow was untouched and the only sound was the soft gurgling of a stream flowing across the plain.
Just me, the snow, and a few Walser huts. I was filled with wonder and awe! Two and a half hours of hiking to reach 1895m, a little tiring, but well worth the effort!
I returned to the hotel completely satisfied and I allowed myself to be pampered in a sauna with spectacular views of the mountains at the Spa in Relais Regina. I relaxed in my surroundings while waiting for Giuliano, the hotel’s trusted taxi driver, who took me to Alagna town centre for dinner. Jennifer, Relais Regina’s receptionist, booked a table for me at the restaurant Edelweiss, promising me a meal fit for a queen and I blindly put my trust in her.
At Edelweiss I met the manager Graziano, born and raised in Alagna and I asked him to recommend some local dishes. I tasted the capuneit, typical Valsesian roulades with a filling of meat and milk-soaked bread, a fragrant stew of mixed meats served with the typical “green” sauce and fruit mostarda, a candied fruit condiment and a glass of Ghemme from the Cantaloupe “Signore di Bayard” cellar. Need I say more? I didn't want to leave anymore.
THIRD day: By now I felt at home at Relais Regina. I thought of Sibilla Aleramo who spent a whole summer in this Relais in 1916. My thoughts bounced from Giovanni Cena, Pellizza to Volpedo, Dino Campana and her, the femme fatale of the 900s as I walked along the Sesia, on a track called Schenine (the beautiful places in Walser) that faces Monte Rosa. The cold air and my walk made me feel like drinking a heart-warming hot chocolate to lighten my thoughts and after leaving the historical gossip behind me, I entered the pastry shop der Gourner where I discovered a world of sweet desserts. Of all the places to visit, I just couldn’t skip this one.
Pietro Stainer, chef by family tradition and pastry chef for passion prepared me a plate with tasty bite-sized samples of "Salam d'Alagna", chocolate salami with dried fruit, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, figs, and dates, a mouthful of flavour and energy, produced only in winter to retain the "freshness" of the chocolate. He also gave me Pastiera Valsesiana which is made with sheep's milk ricotta and left to rest overnight with sugar, saleggia (wild thyme) and blueberry jam, for a mix of true mountain flavours, excellent quality of traditional and modern pastry expertise. Pietro is a true artisan!
And after satisfying my tastebuds, he told me about Capanna Margherita, the highest refuge in Europe, which I did not know about. The name Margherita is in honor of the queen whose traces I was following. It is perched at 4554 m on the Gnifetti peak and is a coveted climbing route by mountaineers from all over the world. At first, I thought he was teasing me, describing it as: a hut clinging to a 1000 m rock face with a restaurant, 70 beds, with a Uni En ISO 14001 quality certification, internet connection, a library, and a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountain splendour. But then he showed me a picture and now I have an objective: training to go hiking! Next summer the hike to Capanna Margherita will be at the top of my to do list. And Alagna will be my weekend destination in the mountains in both summer and winter.
Alagna surprised me, pampered me, caressed me, and gave me a dream to realize. I can say with certainty that my long weekend in Alagna was simply amazing!
