Ossola Valley hydroelectric plants

When discovering the Ossola Valley, visitors should not overlook the “stone cathedrals”, the hydroelectric plants built at the start of the 20th century in one of the most important water catchment areas in Italy.
Power stations and dams have become a major tourist attraction over the years. The latest example of these gigantic marvels of human ingenuity, which received worldwide media coverage, is in Antrona Valley. On the vast walls of the Cingino dam, “acrobatic ibex” climb up almost vertical faces to eat saltpetre, creating a natural spectacle that is unique in the world.

The impressive shapes of the dams located in many Ossola valleys perfectly match the splendid hydroelectric plants at the bottom of the valley, many of which were created by ingenious architect Piero Portaluppi, who also designed the famous Albergo della Cascata del Toce in the Ossola Valley and the surreal Wagristoratore near Passo San Giacomo, in Alta Valle Formazza.

Among all the Ossola valleys, the Formazza Valley certainly offers visitors the largest number of dams and hydroelectric plants.
VisitOssola, in collaboration with ENEL, has drawn up a list on this page of the hydroelectric plants of particular architectural importance and interest. Please note that the plants cannot be visited inside other than on special opening days organised by ENEL. Visit Ossola publishes these special openings in the website’s events section.

  • DOMODOSSOLA AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
    Crevola Toce – particularly important since it was designed by architect Piero Portaluppi
  • VALLE ANTIGORIO and FORMAZZA
    Ponte di Formazza
    Cadarese – particularly important since it was designed by architect Piero Portaluppi
    Goglio
    Verampio – particularly important since it was designed by architect Piero Portaluppi
    Crego – particularly important since it was designed by architect Piero Portaluppi
  • VALLE DIVEDRO
    Varzo
  • VALLE ANTRONA
    Rovesca – particularly important
    Pallanzeno – particularly important
Ideal for
Couples
Families with children
Everybody
You will discover
Culture, traditions and folklore
History and art
Hidden treasures
Ideal for
Couples
Families with children
Everybody
You will discover
Culture, traditions and folklore
History and art
Hidden treasures
IAT di Domodossola
Piazza Matteotti (inside the railway station)
28845 Domodossola (VB)
See map

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