What things to do in Domodossola
From palazzi to panoramic views, the small, medieval town has lots to offer
Wondering what things to do in Domodossola? Tucked away in the far north of Piedmont, that small town is really worth a visit.
The sights of Domodossola include not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also a historic old town nestled beautifully between high mountains directly on the River Toce.
I spent a few days in this beautiful alpine town. Here you will find everything you need to know and all important information about beautiful Domodossola.
Domodossola Overview
The beautiful, small Italian town of Domodossola has just under 18,000 inhabitants and is located in the very north of Piedmont.
It is the main town in the Ossola Valley. The town of Novara and the Lake Maggiore lie to the south, otherwise Domodossola is surrounded by Switzerland in a wide arc.
Domodossola has undergone numerous beautification measures in recent years. The pretty town center, within the barely visible pentagonal city walls, has been restored and refurbished and is now called “Borgo della Culura”.
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Visit Sacro Monte Clavario di Domodossola
The hole mountain may be Domodossola’s most popular attraction.
The Sacre Monte Calvario of Domodossola is one of the 9 Sacri Monte (Holy Mountains) in northern Italy that have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003. Seven of them are located in Piedmont, including Opora, near Biella or the Sacro Monte of Orta San Giulio, just one hour away.
My tip for photographers: The light in the afternoon is rather unsuitable for taking pictures, as it is very dazzling. If you are looking for beautiful photos, you should visit the Sacro Monte Calvario in the morning.
The Via Crusis to the Sacro Monte di Domodossolo begins southwest of the historic center. The devotional path is only about one kilometer long, but the cobblestone road leads uphill, sometimes quite steeply.
Along the Via Crucis to the octagonal pilgrimage church of SS. Crocifisso, whose construction began in 1657 and which rises on the summit of Colle Mattarella, there are 12 chapels. They represent the Stations of the Cross.
Interesting fact: When Napoleon closed the Capuchin monastery on the hill in 1810, work on the Sacro Monte had not yet been completed. Work was resumed on its completion in 1828. Today, the Calvary consists of a total of 15 chapels.
Enjoy the view from Castello di Mattarella
As you have already walked up the Sacro Monte, you should afterwards enjoy the view from the former castle of Mattarella. It is also located on Colle Mattarella, the Sacro Monte hill.
The castle dates back to the 12th century and is now a medieval ruin.
It was built by the bishops of Novara and destroyed in the 14th century by the Swiss Confederates, who conquered the Val d’Ossola.
Today, only a few ruins of the castle remain, including a tower with a large (new) cross on top, parts of the outer fortifications and some foundation walls.
From the summit, you have a beautiful view of Domodossola and the surrounding countryside.
Relax on Piazza del Mercato
The heart of Domodossola beats in Piazza del Mercato, the beautiful market square. It is framed by 15th century porticoes that support the balconies of the 15th and 16th century palazzi and loggias.
Particularly pretty is the Casa de Rodis, the medieval palazzi of the family of the same name, which displays a private collection. This beautiful square is perfect for taking a break from sightseeing and observing and enjoying the life of Domodossola.
By the way: the popular weekly market has been held in the Piazza del Mercato since 917. Every Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00, the beautiful square is transformed into a sea of market stalls, which also attracts lots of Swiss tourists from across the nearby border.
Visit Palazzo San Francesco
The Palazzo San Francesco accommodates the cultural center of Domodossola. On the second floor is the Museum of Natural Sciences and one floor above is an art gallery, which, together with Palazzo Silva, is part of the municipal museum.
Admire Santuario della Madonna della Neve
The present-day pilgrimage church of the Madonna della Neve dates back to the 17th century. It was built on an older church from the 14th century.
The original image of the Madonna and Child from 1372 has been preserved and is displayed above the altar.
Other beautiful churches in Domodossola Italy
Also worth a visit is the Chiesa di San Brizio, which is perched on a hill outside the town center and is home to precious works of art and a large organ dating back to 1872.
The Chiesa di San Quirico was built in the 11th century, making it one of the oldest churches in the Ossola Valley. The bell in its tower is from 1605.
Pass by Torretta Medievale and the remains of Domodossola city wall
The medieval, square tower dates back to 1303 and is one of the few sections of the original ring of walls still standing today. People tent to oversee those remains.
At the points where drawbridges once led into the town, there are rust-colored works of art about 2 meters high.
Where to stay in Domodossola
Not only the town itself is worth the trip. Domodossola is an excellent starting point for exploring and hiking in the Ossala Valley.
Thanks to its proximity to Switzerland, Domodossola is also ideal for excursions to Locarno or Brig. Accordingly, you should definitely stay a few days.
The family owned Hotel Ristorante Eurossola is centrally located opposite Domodossola train station. It is modernly equipped, with a whirlpool for relaxation, a popular restaurant and it offers free parking.
How to get to Domodossola
Thanks to its proximity to Switzerland, Domodossola has excellent connections to the neighboring country, making it an important transport hub in this cross-border region.
Brig, in the Swiss Valais, is 45 km away and can be reached by car via the Simplon Pass or the Simplon car transport in an hour’s drive. By train, this connection takes just 30 minutes.
A particularly beautiful, almost 2-hour train journey connects Domodossola with Locarno in Ticino. The nostalgic Centovalli Railway travels through the stunning “Hundred Valleys” and provides information about the highlights during the scenic journey via audio guide.
Trains from Milan and Turin take around 2 hours.
Tip for Swiss Residents: Domodossola is a shared border station. This means that Swiss rail tickets, such as the Halbtax or GA, are valid here. So you don’t need to buy an extra ticket if you have a Swiss monthly or annual travel pass.
