Ancient legends echo through the alleyways and squares of the main city in the Vigezzo Valley, amidst chimney sweeps, perfumers, painters, and... a white and blue little train!
The picturesque village of Santa Maria Maggiore, with its charming mountain architecture, is located in the Vigezzo Valley, also known as the Valley of Painters or Valley of Chimney Sweeps, and it is a destination within the Val Grande National Park.
Here, you can immerse yourself in alpine culture, savor excellent local cuisine, participate in outdoor activities for every season, and enjoy numerous shopping opportunities. An ideal mix for a truly special vacation in the heart of the Ossola Valley, between Italy and Switzerland.
You cannot miss a visit to the three museums of Santa Maria Maggiore, among the most visited in all of Ossola. The Fine Arts School "Rossetti Valentini," with its Art Gallery, houses a true artistic treasure; the Chimney Sweep Museum, unique of its kind at the national level, pays homage to the history of the small chimney sweeps who emigrated from this valley in past centuries. Finally, the Feminis-Farina Perfume House, inaugurated in 2018, celebrates the birth of Eau de Cologne by two emigrants from Santa Maria Maggiore.
From spring to winter, numerous nationally renowned events bring life to the area: from the literary festival "Paths and Thoughts" to the famous International Chimney Sweep Gathering, not to mention the delights of "Fuori di Zucca" and the enchanting Christmas Markets, the largest and most beloved in all of Piedmont. But there are also events throughout the year that entertain passing visitors and tourists.