Above all, the late Gothic parish church of San Giovanni Battista, with many treasures of art and craftsmanship, such as the pulpit in soapstone, the baroque wooden altar inlaid and gilded, the statues of Giovanni D'Enrico, the altarpieces of the 1500s, furnishings, stuccos, and decorations, up to the bell tower from 1564, to the ancient cemetery with the “huszaichen”, the symbols of the most ancient local families.

Of course, serving as a powerful engine of local tourism is the local mountain and its grandiose ski area; from Alagna all the most challenging excursions to the Rosa start, to reach its highest refuges and enjoy the incredible charm of its high peaks; around the Alagna basin and extending to the borders with the Aosta Valley, the splendid, envied ski resource, the Monterosa Ski, a resort that represents a small “alpine power” of the Italian freeride, a true paradise for skiers.

Since January 1, 2019, the municipality of Riva Valdobbia has been incorporated into the municipality of Alagna Valsesia in a single administrative reality.

It is from Riva Valdobbia that you enjoy the best view of the Monte Rosa, unmatched in any other Valsesia town due to the village’s location placed in a decidedly favored, gentle, inviting, and spectacular spot. 

More than in other locations, Riva retains a palpable charm of the past in every part of the village. The cultural contributions of the 19th century are found in the buildings, in the style of the village, even in its inhabitants who are aware of it and jealously maintain the atmosphere with grace and social respect. It is very frequented in every season as it is the gateway to the Valle Vogna, a picturesque territory of the alta Valsesia.

The valley unfolds at the foot of a crown of high peaks dominated by the Corno Bianco and the ridges that are a prelude to the first glaciers of the Rosa. With this framing, one understands the landscape of Riva, marked and appreciated, both geographically and culturally, by anyone who rises to visit this high Valsesia territory. 

Well integrated in this context is the easy cross-country ski trail, which opens in an open scenery for several kilometers.

unmatched in any other Valsesia town due to the village’s location placed in a decidedly favored, gentle, inviting, and spectacular spot. 

It can be said that all Riva constructions have interesting traits with a clear stylistic aristocracy; extraordinary is the monumental church of San Michele Arcangelo, in the village square, popular for the distinct note of two sharp bell towers, wings of the grandiose façade painted by the Alagna artist Melchiorre D'Enrico depicting the “Last Judgment”.

Around it the elegant lines of the Town Hall, old hotels, the headquarters of the Mutual Aid Society, a delightful little theater in Liberty style with valuable frescoes. Treasures of art and faith are present in many small chapels: San Rocco in the village center, the Immaculate in Isolello, San Pietro alla Balma, Sant'Antonio in Vogna, Santa Croce at Buzzo, San Gaudenzio at Oro, Sant'Antonio in the same-named frazione in Val Vogna, San Grato alla Peccia.

On the road between Riva and Alagna, the “Gemstones”, two large boulders marking the territories of the two towns, once united under this denomination.