
Vigezzina Centovalli Railway – The Foliage Train
The true magic of the Vigezzina Centovalli Railway comes alive most dramatically between October and November, when the route transforms into the spectacular “Foliage Train”.
There is a place, among the woods and mountains of Ossola, that preserves an ancient freshness and hidden charm: the Ornavasso marble quarry. It is not a classic tourist destination, but an authentic refuge, where stone tells stories of men, hard work, and wonder.
The star here is Rosa Valtoce marble, a local stone, veined with history and nature, born of the same geological vein as the famous Candoglia marble, but with a character all its own. Rosa Valtoce has a warm and vibrant soul, which reveals itself only to those with curious eyes and an open heart.
The visit is not just a simple walk through the gallery. It is a journey guided by Stefano, the owner, who welcomes you like an old friend and accompanies you through the secrets of the quarry. With him, you will discover not only the technique, but also the passion of those who live in the mountains every day, amid sweat, respect, and love for their land.
You don’t just come to observe. At the Ornavasso marble quarry, you can take part in workshops and experiential activities: touch the stone, understand how a sculpture is created, try ancient gestures that speak of tradition and the future. It is an experience that involves all the senses, perfect for young and old alike, for those looking for something authentic and different.
There is a secret that only those who enter the quarry can reveal: the temperature. When the sun is scorching outside and the air is heavy, inside there is a refreshing coolness. It is the ideal refuge from the summer heat, a stone embrace that welcomes and recharges you.
The Ornavasso marble quarry is not always open to everyone. Visits are exclusive, by request only, for those who truly want to listen to and experience the mountains. Just call or send a message to book your experience: no crowds, just you, the rock, and the stories whispered in the tunnels.
Because every corner tells a story, every vein of stone speaks of time and skilled hands. Because here you rediscover the value of slowness, of listening, of wonder. And because, in the end, you take home much more than a memory: you take with you a true emotion.

The true magic of the Vigezzina Centovalli Railway comes alive most dramatically between October and November, when the route transforms into the spectacular “Foliage Train”.

There is a place, among the woods and mountains of Ossola, that preserves an ancient freshness and hidden charm: the Ornavasso marble quarry.

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