Mastallone Valley
Rimella

The first Walser village in Valsesia

Credits © Archivio ATL Terre dell
Credits © Archivio ATL Terre dell

Some say that you cannot claim to know Valsesia if you have not visited Rimella, which was founded a long time ago by the first Walser colonies that obtained concessions on the high territories of this alpine region, establishing themselves there permanently and definitively.


Since those distant times, Rimella has absorbed the character of the Walser culture, still evident in the dialect, the buildings, and the lifestyle.


Today, at the center of the Alta Valsesia Natural Park, the locality is imbued with a character that is distinctly different from the other villages and people of Valsesia: a resilience marked by the difficult life of such an extreme location, a nearly regular arrangement of massive and powerful buildings of wood and stone, meticulously crafted; solidity and style across all the terraces of the village and its subdivisions, which constitute another typical feature of the place.

Rimella presents particular aspects within the overall framework of Valsesia that make visiting it unique.



Rimella has absorbed since those distant times the character of Walser culture, still evident in the dialect, the homes, and the lifestyle.

Beyond the discussions about the name, which is thought to be derived from “Remalliju” (bramble in this small valley contrasting with the beautiful beech trees of nearby Fobello) or small Rima, which is another Valsesian village colonized by the Walser, Rimella indeed presents unique aspects within the overall framework of Valsesia that make the visit special.

It is reached after the Bridge of Two Waters, entering the long valley of Landwasser, leaving the Mastallone on the left.

Ruggedness and narrowness of the environment, amidst the roar of the winding stream, passing in a widening of the road, the chapel of the Madonna del Rumore, of ancient origin and strong local devotion, will continue for several kilometers, leaving little room for the gaze, immediately rewarded instead by the lowest fraction of the village, the Grondo, well exposed to the sun and offering panoramic views.


Rimella develops harmoniously around its “center” or “Church,” as its most direct terrace is called, where the majestic church of San Michele Arcangelo stands, one of the most beautiful in the entire valley, making it worthy of being considered a basilica among the mountains.


In addition to the numerous art testimonies, also commendable in chapels and minor shrines, and the interesting housing arrangements, visitable in up and down of its terraces, it is noteworthy the presence, always in the village center, of a small but precious Museum dedicated to Giovanni Battista Filippa, recently enhanced in its display of documentary and historical collections, with coins, ancient books, naturalistic material, art objects, and relics of various natures.


Home to the Walser Study Center that operates for the maintenance and knowledge of the traditional heritage of those distant German colonists, the influences from this culture are also evident in the fractions.


In short, a village that is absolutely unique in its typicality that perhaps truly represents a particular Valsesia, still able to speak of an unforgettable historical past with a language that fascinates and captures all who visit.



      
Rimella
Bocchetta di Campello

Hike in Val Mastallone in the territory of the Walser

2h 30min

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Rimella
Monte Capio

Hiking to Monte Capio in Val Mastallone

3h 30min

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Rimella
Walser Ethnographic Museum Valle Vogna
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Rossa
From Valley to Valley

From Rossa to Cervatto

12h

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Fobello
From Valley to Valley - Stage 3

From Fobello (Roy) to Rimella

3h 40min

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Albergo
★★
Walserhouse
Rimella
Typical "Walser House" renovated with complete and meticulous respect for the "walser" traditions and culture. The Walserhouse Resort will offer you an unf...
Albergo Diffuso
Rimella
...
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