 In 1630 Riva was hit hard by the —the only town in Valsesia.With 240 deaths in 17 months, several Rivesi became "Monatti", corpse carriers and their services were required also in the area around Biella.On 20 May 1800, about 400 Austrian soldiers cut out by the Napoleon's Army thrust via the Aosta Valley run away through the Colle Valdobbia pass.