The Simplon massif, the upper Ossola Valley and the surrounding Valais territory represent an exceptional natural geological section composed of the deepest layers of the Alps. In the locality of Maiesso (Premia), the point of intersection between the Devero Valley and the Antigorio Valley, there is the Gneiss of Verampio, also known as “elemento zero”, which is the deepest tectonic element of the entire Alps.
The mountains between Devero and Binn are also one of the most interesting mineralogical districts on the planet. Rare minerals, crystals of particular beauty from the massifs of Monte Cervandone and Arbola can be admired in the most prestigious Italian museum collections. In the area of the Veglia Devero Nature Park there are over 150 mineral species, some of which are very rare. On the slopes of Mount Cervandone you can also find an unusual variety of exclusive arsenic salts.
