Unité des Communes Walser Issime
the country where French and German influence meet
Issime is a commune of 400 inhabitants in the Lys Valley.
It lies at an altitude of 953 meters in a flat area at the foot of the Monte Rosa mountains, including Mont Néry, and is surrounded by breathtaking alpine landscapes.
Given the strong presence of the Walser community, locals still speak the Germanic dialect Töitschu.
Issime, in fact, constitutes a German language island along with the municipalities of Gressoney-La-Trinité and Gressoney-Saint-Jean.
The municipality is very careful to keep alive the ancient culture and traditions of the Walser people, and organizes numerous activities to promote and support it.
Issime is 65 kilometers from Aosta
Issime The History
The village of Issime has an ancient and fascinating history.
It was in fact inhabited since the Iron Age, and was ruled by various noble families, including the Vallaise in the Middle Ages.
From the 13th century onward it was the seat of the tribunal-which is located in Duarf Square-where justice was administered for the de Vallaise barons.
In the religious sphere Issime also played an important role: until 1660, in fact, the only parish in the upper Lys Valley was located in this commune.
Whato do in Issime
Issime is rich in natural beauty and places of cultural interest.
The parish church of St. James the Greater has a facade covered with a fresco depicting the Last Judgment.
Opposite the church is the herrenhaus: a fortified house that belonged to the Vallaise nobles.
There are several chapels in the area, including that of Our Lady of the Snows, in Mühnes, which stands at 2007 meters and is the highest in Issime.
The chapel of Santa Margherita in the San Grato valley is also interesting.
Issime is surrounded by numerous trails that allow you to immerse yourself in the nature of the valley by hiking and walking, such as the one through the San Grato valley, which allows you to see along the way several stadel, typical constructions of the area attributable to the Walser people.
More experienced walkers can visit the Colle del Lupo pass, passing through the Tourrison valley, which, although little known, offers wonderful views.
In the colder months, Issime is a perfect base for anyone who wants to practice skiing and other winter sports; in fact, it is conveniently located for reaching the best ski resorts in the valley.
Issime is also ideal for families.
There are several playgrounds and green areas in which to spend relaxing moments and entertain the little ones.
Walking along the banks of the Lys stream, one can easily reach the nearby town of Gaby passing through a deciduous forest equipped with a picnic area.
Festivals and traditions in Issime Handicraft markets: called Eischem Mert, this is a market of handcrafted and typical Aosta Valley products made of wood, stone, wicker, fabric and other local materials.
It is present every summer.
Feast of Our Lady of the Snows at the village of Mühnes: on August 5, it is celebrated in the village of Mühnes, in the valley of San Grato, at an altitude of 2007 meters.
After Mass, polenta and milk are distributed, pending the band concert.
Band concerts: the Musikkappelle “La Lira”: often held in the municipality on anniversaries and holidays.
Not to be missed is the New Year’s Concert.
Issime September 21, 2024
11.19°
Expect a day of partly cloudy with rain
