Domodossola, Mountain commune in Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italy
Domodossola sits in a valley at the meeting point of two rivers, surrounded by mountain slopes that frame the town in a natural basin. The old center shows narrow lanes with stone houses, while newer quarters grow along the main roads.
Romans built a settlement here over 2,000 years ago along the route over Simplon Pass and used it as a rest stop for travelers. During the 19th century, the railway line to Brig was laid, turning the place into a junction between Italy and Switzerland.
Since medieval times, merchants from north and south have met at the market that still takes place every Saturday in the old center. Piazza del Mercato carries Renaissance arches and is used by locals for their weekly shopping.
Train connections across the border make the station a useful starting point for trips into Switzerland and for hikes into the high mountains. During winter some mountain paths close, so a visit between spring and autumn is advisable.
The letter D in the Italian spelling alphabet is named after this place, so every Italian mentions the town when spelling over the phone or filling forms. This role is fixed in everyday language and makes the name known throughout the country.
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