Museum Network: Associazione Musei d'Ossola
Admirable wooden sculptures tell the story of faith and ties to the German world.
To the north of the centre of Ponte stands an imposing building that deviates from the traditional Walser architectural style: the Casa Forte (STRONG HOUSE - SCHTEI HÜS), built in 1569 by Antonio Zur Schmitten. The main façade of the Casa Forte still has the iron rings used to tie the pack animals while their loads were being checked. The central stone staircase leads to the entrance; on the left is a storeroom for storing goods, and on the right is the room with the barred window, which was used as a prison. On the first floor is the heated living room, where Amman probably gathered his advisors. In the opposite room, facing north, is the kitchen with its massive fireplace and unique stone sink. On the top floor, two more rooms were used as living quarters. One of them is still a bedroom with clothes and an old loom. The other room now houses works and furnishings typical of a small church interior.
OLD BUILDING WITHOUT A LIFT.
SCHOOL: BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT WITH THE ORGANISATION, BY RESERVATION ONLY.
Credit: Archivio Fotografico Distretto Turistico dei Laghi - Marco Benedetto Cerini
