Formazza

Formazza (Walliser German: Pomatt, Piedmontese: Formassa) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola in the Italian region Piedmont, located about 160 kilometres (99 mi) northeast of Turin and about 50 kilometres (31 mi) north of Verbania, on the border with Switzerland. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 443 and an area of 131.8 square kilometres (50.9 sq mi). The municipality of Formazza contains the frazioni (subdivisions, mainly villages and hamlets) Foppiano, Antillone, Fondovalle, Chiesa, Valdo, San Michele, Ponte, Brendo, Grovella, Canza, Sotto Frua, La Frua, and Riale. Formazza borders the following municipalities: Baceno, Bedretto (Switzerland), Bignasco (Switzerland), Binn (Switzerland), Bosco Gurin (Switzerland), Cavergno (Switzerland), Premia, Reckingen-Gluringen (Switzerland), Ulrichen (Switzerland). The village was founded by Walser and Walser German is still spoken Demographic evolution Notable people Mario Bacher (b. 1941), ski mountaineer and cross-country skier References ^ All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat. External links www.comune.formazza.vb.it