Alta Valle Antrona Natural Park, Nature reserve in Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italy.
Alta Valle Antrona Natural Park is a protected alpine area covering approximately 7,400 hectares and ranging from 500 to 3,656 meters in elevation. The territory includes several high-altitude lakes such as Camposecco and Cingino that can be reached via marked hiking trails.
The valley was transformed in the early 1900s through five artificial reservoirs created for electricity generation: Antrona, Campliccioli, Cingino, Camposecco, and Bacino dei Cavalli. These lakes now define the landscape and remain central to the region's economic history.
The valley maintains the tradition of 'autani' processions, ancient liturgical chants from the 16th century in which believers undertake long pilgrimages over mountain paths. These celebrations remain part of local religious life today and connect the community to the landscape.
Domodossola is the main gateway for accessing the park's network of trails. It is advisable to come prepared with sturdy gear and plan to hike in groups, as the mountain routes can be demanding.
Female ibexes at Lake Cingino display a remarkable ability by climbing the nearly vertical dam walls to reach salt deposits. This behavior is observable to visitors and demonstrates their extraordinary adaptation to the alpine environment.
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