The history of the Traditional Militias in the Ossola Valley dates back to a distant past punctuated by dramatic events such as occupations, wars and famines that left indelible marks on this Alpine land.
For a long time, the Anzasca Valley was under military control: the “Milizie delle terre” (Land Militias), established in the Ossola Valley during the first quarter of the 17th century by the Spanish governor of Milan, who was at war with the Duke of Savoy, had to watch over and constantly protect a land rich in gold deposits.
In the town of Bannio Anzino, the Militia was founded in 1622, during the plague years described by Alessandro Manzoni in The Betrothed. The people of Anzasca who survived this terrible disease became more devoted to the Madonna della Neve (Madonna of the Snow): since that time, the Traditional Militia of Bannio has honoured the patron saint every year on the 5th August, holding events that are very important to local residents and fascinating for visitors.
