THE PAINTED VILLAGE OF ARCUMEGGIA

Over 150 frescoes created in the 1950s on the external walls of homes make it a place to discover, lost among the alleys and courtyards

In the heart of the Valcuvia, three kilometers from Casalzuigno and at an altitude of approximately 560 meters, lies Arcumeggia: a small jewel of history, art, and tradition that preserves the charm of its medieval center, with cobbled alleys and stone houses overlooking charming internal courtyards.

Its origins date back to the Roman era. According to studies collected in the magazine "Eco di Arcumeggia" (1932), in fact, the name derives from Arx-mediathearc-media, referring to a fortification built in a strategic position between the valleys and Lake Maggiore.

In the 1950s, thanks to an innovative project promoted by the Provincial Tourism Board to combat depopulation, the village was transformed into an "open-air art gallery": here, nationally and internationally renowned artists—including Monachesi, Sassu, Migneco, Brindisi, and many others—were invited to paint frescoes on the facades of the houses. The project was accompanied by fresco technique courses, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives that have continued to evolve over the years. Today, with over 150 murals, the "painted village" represents a unique open-air museum.

But Arcumeggia is more than just art. It's a place steeped in ancient rural traditions, where nature and architecture coexist harmoniously, offering experiences of local flavors, history, and hospitality. This is thanks to the activities and spirit of sharing with which the small village community has managed and continues to keep its roots alive.

This deep connection with the territory makes a visit to a village, that surprises with the beauty of its frescoes and the warmth of its identity, even more fascinating.