In Piedmont, in the Antigorio valley, an excursion not to be missed is the one through the Orridi di Uriezzo and the Marmitte dei Giganti. A place immersed in a magical atmosphere, with canyons carved by the rush of water that has shaped this beautiful valley for millennia.
In today’s Antigorio and Formazza Valleys, there was in fact the Toce Glacier in whose valley numerous streams and waterfalls flowed. The narrow valleys, tortuous tunnels and gorges that can be visited today were carved out by the melt waters of the glacier, which rushed down into the valley during the last glaciation, about 12,000 years ago. The drying up of the various streams fed by the glaciers left room for a veritable canyon that can be visited on foot today.
The route can be walked all year round with the exception of the winter months. The best time to visit the Orridi di Uriezzo is from the end of March to mid-April, when the wild cherry trees are in blossom. There are also guided tours in the summer months starting from the Oratory of Santa Lucia.
Uriezzo Gorge
The gorges that can be visited today are:
The South Gorge, considered by many to be the most beautiful and spectacular, is about 200 m long and 20 to 30 m deep. The path to cross it is not very demanding and in the most inaccessible sections it has been equipped with metal footbridges and ladders. At one end you can see small waterfalls surrounded by dense vegetation and in some passages of the gorge you cannot see the sky, elements that make it even more scenic.
The North-East Gorge, very narrow in places, is about half the length of the first one and 10 metres deep. Situated near the small church of Santa Lucia, it can be reached on foot by slightly extending the itinerary, or by car from Premia, passing by the imposing Balmafredda wall, equipped as a sports climbing gym.
The North-West Gorge, less characteristic than the other two and indicated for the more experienced, is located alongside the mule track that climbs from Uriezzo towards the state road between Baceno and Premia.
The Orrido di Vallaccia, located just below the church of Baceno. It is difficult to access especially for inexperienced hikers and ends with a, not very easy, leap over the Devero. Of those mentioned, it is certainly the least suitable for a walk for hikers with little preparation.
The Giants’ Cauldrons
Parallel to the gorges flows the ‘new’ Toce, in another bed, smoothed and rounded by water. At Maiesso, along the visitor route, an iron bridge over the river provides an extraordinary viewpoint over the Marmitte dei Giganti.
These are spectacular rock formations and craters that the currents and eddies of water, in their swirling flow, have carved into the river bed. The rocks are characterised by soft-looking creeks all along the course of the Toce River, which flows downstream creating rapids, small waterfalls and mirrors of water of a brilliant, crystal-clear turquoise colour.
Following the path, you can reach a small sand and pebble beach where you can relax, sunbathe and have a picnic. For the more adventurous, it is possible to ford the river (the water is really icy) and climb the rocks and find shelter from the sun in small coves shaded by thick vegetation.
Just before arriving at the beach, there is a very small kiosk “L’Orrido” selling ice cream, yoghurt, craft beers and cheeses from local farms, (only open at weekends).
Access Points
There are three access points to the Orridi di Uriezzo: Premia (the most recommended access), Baceno and Verampio. Signs on the road indicate the access points with ‘Orridi Entrance’ signs:
From Premia: immediately after the village there is a signposted diversions to Crego and Uriezzo until you reach the Balmafredda rock face. At the end of the tarmac road, near the Santa Lucia oratory, you can leave your car and continue on foot following the hiking signs.
From Baceno: follow the mule track from the monumental church of San Gaudenzio down to the hamlet of Verampio. Once at the crossroads, take the path to the left to cross an area of terraced woodland on level ground and descend until it crosses the service track for the methane pipeline in the section that runs parallel to the Orrido Sud gorge.
From Verampio: start from the Trattoria della Campagna. Follow the service track for the methane pipeline that crosses the T. Devero and runs more or less parallel to the course of the Toce until you reach the wooden bridge at Maiesso, from where you can enjoy a fascinating view of the giants’ potholes. Shortly afterwards the road makes a hairpin bend and continues on level ground. Immediately after crossing a stream, leave the track (signposted junction) and continue along an easy path that alternates between flat and steeper stretches, leading to the entrance to the South Gorge.
How to get there
Take the A26 motorway in the direction of Gravellona Toce; follow the SS 33 Gravellona Toce/Sempione road to the Crodo exit. From here follow the SS 659 Valle Antigorio Formazza road and after passing through Premia follow the sign for the entrance near the Santa Lucia Oratory. Continue to Baceno where there is another access to the Orridi.
Last modified: 18 May 2025
