Discover Grignasco: Nature, Culture and Holiday Apartments

Holiday apartment in Grignasco for trails and landscapes

For active days, there is the Anello del Fenera circular trail. It follows Trail No. 772 and has an elevation difference of approximately 600 m. After the hamlet of Bertasacco, the Anello del Fenera descends into the valley of the Torrente Magiaga. The Itinerario Il Torrente Magiaga focuses on the watercourse’s sedimentation and erosion phenomena. Along this trail, you can visit the historic town centres of Grignasco and Ara. The route passes through reforested slopes that were once characterised by terraced fields, vineyards and orchards. The different trail characteristics can help you plan your trip around a balance of walking and hiking days and visits to historic town centres.

Monte Fenera natural area and remarkable caves

Grignasco is one of the municipalities located in the Parco Naturale Monte Fenera. The nature park’s numerous caves are among the main reasons for protecting the area. Since 1 May 2013, the Casa delle Grotte di Ara has served as a visitor centre for the entire area of the Parco Naturale del Monte Fenera. The Grotte della Bondaccia and delle Arenarie can be visited with the prior approval of the park administration. In this way, the natural area combines geological themes with specific excursion destinations, without every activity having to be of the same nature.

Churches, frescoes and historic townscapes

The Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Maria Assunta can be reached from Piazza Viotti via steps leading to the church square. At the beginning of Via Iannetti, there is also a ramp with a gentler gradient that is suitable for people with motor disabilities. The Chiesa Santa Maria delle Grazie is located in the medieval centre of Grignasco and served as the parish church of the community for centuries. It preserves two significant fresco cycles; the older one is dated to around 1489 and attributed to the workshop of Tommaso Cagnola.

The Oratorio di San Graziano stands on a hill with sweeping views of Grignasco and the surrounding towns. During its restoration, traces of a decoration dated to 1464 and bearing the signature “Bartolonus” were uncovered. The medieval Ricetto can be traced on a walk along Via Castello and Via Torrione; a few ruins of the Castello di S. Genesio are still visible there. The Chiesa di Santa Maria in Bovagliano is the old Pieve of Grignasco and is mentioned in a papal bull from 1132. A signed fresco fragment from 1539 is still visible beneath the organ loft. The church is located in the municipal cemetery and follows its opening hours.

Other notable destinations include the Palazzo “Durio” with its small courtyard, a loggia made of stone arches and columns, and grotesque decorations scratched into the plaster. The palazzo is privately owned and cannot be visited. The Cappella di S. Antonio (Cà Trimpella) is the only known surviving testimony today of the cult of the “Beata” in the Grignasco area. The Parco “Claudino Mora” can be accessed via Via Rosa Massara.

Carnival and local traditions

The carnival tradition of Grignasco dates back to the end of the 19th century. The characteristic carnival masks include Giuan Bacéja and Mariana Curbèla. The Giubiacia is Grignasco’s carnival celebration held on Giovedì grasso, “Fat Thursday”. During La gran trippa in piazza, traditional trippa is distributed in Grignasco’s main square and in its hamlets. These customs place an emphasis on culture, local life and sharing food.

Other places for planning your trip

If you would like to compare Grignasco with other places, you can find Case Sparse, Mezzomerico, Cameri, Recetto, Cavaglio D'agogna, Oleggio Castello, Casalino and Agrate Conturbia here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Novara.