A walk organised by the Supervulcano Valsesia Association to mark the Third Earth Week

Stories told by stone, stories of life. The rocks of the Sesia supervolcano as a resource.
A visit to some of the geosites of the Sesia Supervolcano, where the story of geology is intertwined with the material culture of our region.

The meeting point is at 9.30 am at Vocca Town Hall, Chiesa 1, at the Association’s headquarters. Following a presentation on the history of the supervolcano, the tour will begin, taking in some of the most significant outcrops of the supervolcano in Valsesia, between the villages of Balmuccia and Prato Sesia (by car, with short stretches on foot).

The excursion offers an opportunity to trace the link between geological history and the use of materials extracted from quarries and mines, which were once very numerous throughout Valsesia.

It is thus possible to see mantle rocks outcropping at Balmuccia, where a quarry has recently been reopened. At Isola di Vocca, deep within the supervolcano, there is an old nickel mine. In the area between Roccapietra and Borgosesia, there are granite rocks that have been quarried both in the past and at present; a fine outcrop of these can be visited at Agnona.
Packed lunch or the option to have lunch at a restaurant.

The day draws to a close in Serravalle, at the Pieve di Naula, where, at around 4.15 pm, the group joins the walkers on the ‘Sentiero d’la brenta’ who set off from Sostegno and who, as they do every year, bring a bountiful basket of produce from our countryside and wine from the hills, a symbolic gift which, at the end of the event, is distributed to those in need in Serravalle.
This is an event rooted in ancient traditions, further evidence of the close bond between people and the land, as explained by Dr Piera Mazzone, director of the Varallo Public Library.
The trail’s curious name stems from the fact that the church of Naula in Serravalle, the oldest in the valley, had a cemetery where, it seems that as early as the first centuries AD, the deceased from the area were brought there, wrapped in a sheet and placed standing upright inside a wicker basket called a ‘brenta’.
At 5.00 pm, you can attend Holy Mass in memory of all the deceased from the two communities, Sostegno and Serravalle.
Afterwards, refreshments will be served, courtesy of the Municipality of Serravalle.

Route difficulty: Hiking
Clothing and equipment: walking boots, waterproof jacket and/or umbrella
Participation is free

For information and bookings: mobile 340 348 6552 |info@supervulcano.it