Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Administrative province in northern Piedmont, Italy
The Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola is an administrative division in northern Piedmont covering alpine valleys, lakeshores, and mountain villages. Its territory stretches from the western shore of Lake Maggiore to the Swiss border, and includes Lake Orta and several high valleys.
The administrative division emerged after a referendum detached municipalities from the province of Novara and brought them together into an independent province. This decision followed a long political process rooted in local characteristics and geographic differences.
Camellias and azaleas grow on lakeside slopes, brought from Asia and thriving in the mild climate. Gardeners in Verbania and Stresa cultivate exotic plants that flourish in botanical gardens and villa parks along the shore.
Roads connect the valleys to each other and cross mountain passes into Switzerland, while trains run along the lakes. Travelers heading into the mountains should check road conditions and weather in winter.
In some valleys, Walser German is still spoken, an old Alemannic dialect preserved by mountain inhabitants since medieval times. These linguistic pockets recall the migrations of settlers from the Valais who settled in the Alps.
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