Val Vigezzo: The Valley of Painters and Its Enduring Legacy

The 'Valley of Painters,' or Val Vigezzo, is an artistic hub in northern Piedmont with a legacy that traces back to the 17th century. The region's art scene flourished when local artists returned from France. In 1878, the Scuola di Belle Arti 'Rossetti Valentini' was established in Santa Maria Maggiore, marking the only fine arts institution in the Alps. Prominent artists such as Giuseppe Mattia Borgnis, Lorenzo Peretti, and Giovanni Maria Rossetti Valentini emerged from this school. Enrico Cavalli, in the early 20th century, championed plein air painting. The institution became a foundation in 2019 and reopened in 2023. The initiative 'Val Vigezzo. La Valle dei Pittori' supports scholarships and exhibitions, including one for Camillo Besana until November 1, 2026.