The name derives from the Latin "Domus Oscelae" because during the Middle Ages, a cathedral was built here. City of the province of Verbania, located at the confluence of the seven valleys of the Ossola and surrounded by the Lepontine Alps, the municipality of Domodossola is composed of several villages bordering the stream Bogna and river Toce. Domobianca is a climatic ski resort, composed of over 12 tracks with different degrees of difficulty. It stretches for 21 km along the slopes of Mount Moncucco, fully equipped with ski lifts and chair lifts. The old town center is characterized by interesting buildings of the XV and XVI centuries with loggias and arcades. It is surrounded by parts of the old fortified walls (which form a sort of pentagon), the remains of towers, main features of the medieval village. It is a starting point for memorable excursions like the one to the Sacro Monte Calvario, and the one to the Alpe Lusentino that feature, along their trails, interesting towns and villages rich in history and art.
Important center of the Leponzi, founded in 12 B.C., part of the province of Ossola in Roman Augustus times, Ossola Lepontiorum submitted the invasions of Huns, Goths and Lombards which were succeeded by the Franks of Charlemagne and the Visconti in the XVI century. After the rule of the Sforza, the town was ceded to the Spanish for about two centuries and then to Charles VI and Maria Theresa. In 1748 it entered the sphere of influence of the Savoy and was the capital of the Partisan Republic of Ossola for a few months in 1944.
Not to miss:
- the Collegiate Church of SS. Protasio Gervasio with its ancient origins, dating back a year 840, it was rebuilt in the mid-XV century. It features one major nave and two aisles, six chapels and preserves a series of precious paintings, dating from the XVI-XVII centuries, by Tanzio da Varallo and a relief depicting St. Charles, dating from the XIII century, depicting episodes from the life of Charlemagne.
- the Church of San Quirico built around the X-XI century on the ruins of an older temple. Inside are preserved frescoes of the XII and XV centuries.
- Il Sacro Monte (the Sacred Mountain), built in the XVII century, it has recently been included in UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Il Sacro Monte Calvario (the Sacred Mount Calvary) a series of chapels that highlight the different stops entitled to Christ's last journey towards his crucifixion. They are surrounded by trees and richly decorated with columns and valuable paintings and sculptures of local artists.
- Palazzo Silva, built in the early XVI century, it has been renovated during the XVII century and has assumed the present appearance. In Baroque style, it now houses a museum that brings together and preserves important Roman and Etruscan finds.
- the Palazzo San Francisco which incorporates the remains of the pre-existing XIV century church. It now houses the Museum of Natural History and the Galletti Foundation.
- Palazzo Mellerio of the XIX century.
- the Market Square in Renaissance style.