Search
CULTURE
Angelo Mosso Institute at Col d'Olen
An excellence of Italian scientific history at high altitude
The Angelo Mosso Scientific Institute at Col d'Olen, a rugged pass at an altitude of 2,900 meters between Gressoney and Alagna, represents one of the crowning achievements of Italian scientific history. Founded in 1907 by the illustrious physiologist from Chières, professor of Physiology at the University of Turin from 1879 to 1910, it paved the way for experimentation in biology, medicine, and meteorology at high altitudes.
Opening
more information in the coming months
Free entry
no
Average duration
1h
Visitation experiences
more information in the coming months
Ticket purchase methods
more information in the coming months
Reservation methods for experiences/services
more information in the coming months
Museum Subscription Circuit
no
Other subscription circuits/cards
no
Foreign languages spoken by the staff
more information in the coming months
Address
Col d'Olen, 13021 Alagna Valsesia VC
The aim of its construction was to support the scientific activities carried out at the Capanna Regina Margherita and to provide accommodation for researchers who could stay here for extended periods while conducting their research activities. The institute presented itself as a true sanctuary of science, with laboratories equipped with precision instruments, a library, and comfortable rooms for scholars from around the world, who lived there during the interwar period even in temperatures as low as 30 degrees below zero.
In June 2000, a fire caused by a lightning strike almost completely destroyed the structure, but the reconstruction was rapid, and by 2006 the restoration works had been completed, bringing it back into operation. Starting from 2023, a complete renovation of the building is underway with the aim of transforming and modernizing it to fulfill a threefold function: its historical role as a site for scientific research activities, the museum role of documenting and disseminating past and ongoing research activities in the area, and a hospitality-restaurant function.
The Angelo Mosso Scientific Institute is located in the basin between the Corno del Camoscio and the Stohlemberg, at an altitude of 2,900 meters at Col d'Olen, just a stone's throw from the ski slopes where the cable car from Passo dei Salati arrives. The place, once only reachable on foot from the two valleys, is now connected to Gressoney la Trinità via the service road of the Passo dei Salati and, during the seasonal opening periods, via the ski lifts on both the Gressoney and Alagna sides with the cable car that departs from Pianalunga.
Alagna Valsesia
The Walser Villages
The testimonies of the mountain people of Valsesia
in one day
Credits © Franchini Amelio
Quarona
San Giovanni al Monte di Quarona
One of the oldest places of worship in Valsesia
in one day
Alagna Valsesia
The Walser Settlements of Alagna and the Val Vogna
Discovering the settlements of the Walser people
in one day
.jpg?v=1.0)
Alagna Valsesia
Angelo Mosso Institute at Col d'Olen
An excellence of Italian scientific history at high altitude
.jpg?v=1.0)
Fondo europeo agricolo di sviluppo rurale.
L'Europa investe nelle zone rurali.
PSR 2014 - 2020, Misura 19 - op. 7.5.2 tipologia 2
Infrastrutture turistico-ricreative ed informazione nell’ambito del CCLD LEADER - Informazione
