Attractions and Places To See around Rassa - Top 20

The following text is freely adapted from the book "Ribelli in montagna" by Alessandro Orsi, to clarify the events that led to the construction of this stone bridge. At the beginning of the 1800s, the Napoleonic Italian Legion was formed in Provence, composed of Italian exiles and commanded by General Giuseppe Lechi. The legion crossed the Alps, pursuing a daring plan by Napoleon to outflank the Austrian army and rejoin the main French troops at Marengo. But the difficulties of the project were evident. The passes were still heavily snow-covered. The troops crossed the San Bernardo, laboriously hauling the artillery pieces, ascended the Val d'Ayas, passed through the Colle della Ranzola, and arrived at Gressoney S. Jean on May 24th. Lechi wrote to his superiors that the Valdobbia pass was absolutely impassable for artillery, but his commanding general ordered them to proceed and to reach Varallo irrevocably within four days. Guided by officers of Valsesian origin, 2,500 men with heavy artillery pieces passed through the Colle di Valdobbia on May 27th, in still very deep snow and amidst the dangers of slips and avalanches. Upon reaching the Solivo stream, shortly before the hamlet of Peccia, the soldiers built the masonry bridge that we still cross today in just two days, transported the artillery, and reached Riva Valdobbia the same day. On May 28th, 1800, the "Compagnia Infernale" (Infernal Company), the assault unit of the Italian Legion, attacked the Austrian garrison at the gates of Varallo and defeated it. Of this memorable feat, the writings of the soldiers on the walls of San Grato and the Madonna della Neve in Val Vogna, the graves of the fallen in front of the Ursuline convent in Varallo, and a small stone bridge that has since withstood the years and the harsh mountain weather remain.

The **Passo (or Bocchetto) di Bocchetto Sessera is an alpine pass located in the Biella Alps, in the Province of Biella (Piedmont, Italy). It connects the Valle dello Strona di Mosso with the Val Sessera, between the mountains Monte Marca (1,558 m) and Monticchio (1,697 m).

Main entrance to the Oasi Zegna, from which many paths start, including the "Bosco del Sorriso" path and others

Very modern and comfortable refuge. Equipped with 24h electricity, wi-fi, hot water. The refuge is also a stop for the Oropa Valley walk. The Barma refuge is located at an altitude of 2060 meters in the Mont Mars nature reserve, located between the Biella area and the Lys Valley in the Aosta Valley. The stone structure is built around the roche moutonne in the center of an amphitheater overlooking the lakes of the same name at the foot of the Mont Mars massif (2600 m). The refuge is recently built and has a large bar, two dining rooms, eight rooms, five of which seat 8, two seat 4 and a double with bathroom. The services are shared. The structure is equipped with solar panels for the production of electricity, integrated with a co-generator system. The water is collected from the depths of the lake and treated with a water purifier so as to avoid the use of packaging to be disposed of.

Beautiful side valley that branches off from Alagna. Far from the ski industry, it preserves ancient Walser settlements. The village of Follu is beautiful, where the beautiful Zar Senni refuge is located. The Val d'Orto joins the Val d'Olen at the superb and severe Foric pass (2,432 m).

Recently built refuge surrounded by the Barma lakes, open in the summer and reachable with a not too demanding walk from Pillaz (or from Pian Coumarial) a hamlet of Fontainemore, overcoming a long stretch of road up to Lake Vargno

Hub of various paths in Valsessera, nerve center of the Oasi Zegna

This beautiful lake is located at the foot of the Mont Mars Nature Reserve. From its banks Punta Leretta, Punta Figlieu, Mount Mars, Mount Rosso, the Lei Long and Gragliasca peaks and Mount Pietra Bianca are visible. It's a nice place to take a break on your mountain run with a breathtaking view. The paths in this area are mostly free of technical difficulties and easy to follow while running.