Stura Valley

In spite of the Baroque adjustments, the church preserves its Romanesque features, especially on the facade and inside the crypt - the latter housing some parts preceding the year 1000. Excavations brought to light some elements dating from the Romans era and underlined a superimposition of churches: from the Paleo-Christian one to the 14th century chapel commissioned by Jeanne I of Anjou.

After walking along Borgo typical streets, where one can buy mushrooms and snails, one can go forward towards Demonte and admire the Gothic arcades, the municipal tower, the picture displaying the Lepanto Battle inside the parish church of San Donato and the 17th century Counts Borelli Palace, which houses a refined inside staircase and the entirely decorated halls on the noble floor.

The imposing blockhouse of Vinadio is one of the most important examples of military architecture in the Alps. The Forte Albertino was built during Charles Albert of Savoy's reign, between 1834 and 1847: the complex had to be an impregnable fortress in defence of the border between Piedmont and France, but it actually never was the scene of important battles. It is 1200 m long and has three floors.

In Vinadio one should also visit the 14th century parish church of S. Fiorenzo preserving the pronaos and the big bell tower of the coeval building.

From Vinadio one can reach the deep valley that leads to the Lombarda Pass - negotiable in summer - at the border between Italy and France. There, at a height of 2035 m, one will find the Sanctuary of S. Anna (the highest in Europe) consisting of a 17th century church with steep floor and a porch on the facade.

But the real charm of the valley are its typical houses with stone walls and thatched roof. We finally have to mention the actual symbol of the valley, the sheep of the Sambuco breed, renowned for its tasty meat and celebrated during the All Saints' Fair that takes place in Vinadio every year in Autumn.

Texts are taken from "Artistic, historical and religious itineraries in the valleys of yhe province of Cuneo - Between Art and Faith"  A.T.L. del Cuneese.
Photos "Archivio A.T.L. del Cuneese"

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