The historic little town of Santa Maria Maggiore lies at an altitude of 816 mt in the Vigezzo Valley.

Once the capital of the so-called “Valley of the painters”, today it’s a holiday centre offering a range of leisure activities, from the energetic to the relaxing. In winter, Nordic skiing enthusiasts will revel in the excellent trail linking Malesco, Santa Maria Maggiore and Druogno through snow-covered pine woods and clearings. In spring and summer the area is perfect for pleasant walks or longer hikes.

There are two important museums in Santa Maria Maggiore: the Chimney Sweep Museum and the "Rossetti Valentini" School of Fine Arts. The unusual and fascinating Chimney Sweep Museum in the grounds of the magnificent Villa Antonia displays artefacts, pictures and published material testifying to the trade which for centuries provided a livelihood for local emigrants to other countries. The Art School Museum was founded in 1868 by Gian Maria Rossetti Valentini, and houses an extensive gallery exhibiting the works of the major painters of the Vigezzo Valley.

Other sights of interest are the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, rebuilt between 1733 and 1742 but of Romanesque origin, the picturesque hamlets of Crana and Buttogno, and the many fine villas built in traditional style.