17 June 2026, 5:30 PM
Sala Falcioni (Cappella Mellerio), Domodossola
Terraces and dry-stone walls are among the most distinctive features of the Alpine landscape in the Ossola Valley. They are much more than retaining structures or agricultural infrastructure: they are the result of centuries of labour, technical knowledge, and the ability of local communities to adapt to mountain environments.
In 2018, the art of dry-stone walling was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising the universal value of a building tradition capable of shaping the landscape while preserving its natural balance.
To reflect on the significance of this heritage and the opportunities it still offers mountain regions today, Fondazione Canova ETS, in collaboration with Associazione Fondiaria Terra Viva and the Pro Loco of Domodossola, is organising a public event dedicated to terraces, their conservation, and future prospects for their recovery and management.
The evening will bring together different perspectives on the subject:
- Maurizio Cesprini (Fondazione Canova) will explore terraces as a form of constructed landscape, examining their history and traditional building techniques.
- Ivano De Negri (Associazione Fondiaria Terra Viva) will present the experience of terrace restoration in the Antrona Valley, highlighting both challenges and opportunities.
- Valeria Tantardini (Erboristeria Tantardini) will guide participants through the plants and herbs that thrive on terraces and their connection to local biodiversity.
The event aims to offer an opportunity to rediscover the cultural, environmental, and social value of dry-stone walls and to reflect on the role they may continue to play in the future of our mountain landscapes.
The evening will conclude with a themed aperitif prepared by chef Diego Rondolini.
Free admission
Photo Credits Marco Tessaro
