Project and management: arch. Paolo Massa Bova Bovat Graphic design and print: Spunto Creativo di Ricchieri Stefania - Lanzo T.se (TO) Texts by: Marta Misurale, Grazia Biorci, Franca Gamberoni Photographs of: Archivio C.A.I. sezione di Lanzo Torinese, Archivi degli Enti Locali e Associazioni, Archivio Consorzio Operatori Turistici Valli di Lanzo, Adoglio Fulvio, Biancolin Valentino, Castagneri Gianni, Macario Ban Mara, Merlo Daniela, Passerana Giancarlo Giorgio, Pessarossi Giacomo Aknowledgments: Paolo Caligaris - Regione Piemonte, Fabio Giannetti - IPLA, Gino Geninatti - C.A.I. sezione di Lanzo Torinese, Livio Barello e Guido Rocci - Consorzio Operatori Turistici Valli di Lanzo, Vittorio Bonino.
EDIZIONE N. 01 DEL 2019
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THE TERRITORY
The territory of Valli di Lanzo is located on the western side of the metropolitan city of Turin and develops along the main hydrographic axes oriented from West to East. It converges into the basin of Lanzo towards the plain that extends between the valleys and the city.
Valley and occupies a large portion of flat land. In such a varied territory extends the ancient road system, now used for hiking, which once was a dense network of connections between human settlements and trans-Alpine passes. Precisely because of the vital importance it represented for the Alpine communities, it was subject to continuous and widespread maintenance work, which until today has supported a richly articulated infrastructure for outdoor activities. In the area there are numerous hiking trails of different kinds and degrees of difficulty, developed as light infrastructure connecting all the municipalities in the area.
Among the different areas, the Upper Valley consists of three valleys oriented East-West: the Val Grande, the Val d’Ala and the Valle di ViÚ. These three valleys, which are predominantly alpine, mark the border with France with peaks that reach an average altitude of 3500 meters. The central area, the Middle Valley, extends between Lanzo and Ceres and includes the Tesso and Malone Valleys, which constitute the North-Eastern extension of the area. The secondary hydrographic basins to the Stura di Lanzo give rise to small wooded valleys oriented towards the basin of Lanzo/Germagnano with shallower sections and less steep profiles.
The routes offer numerous routes for hiking or mountain biking, trekking at high altitudes, routes accessible to people with difficulties. In addition to this, there are also numerous hiking trails of local value suitable for daytime activities. The reading of the territory through the description of its hiking network wants to suggest a conscious use of the landscape by tourists and inhabitants themselves, as a source of well-being and opportunity for discovery and sharing, as a moment of awareness of the fragility of the territory.
The Lower Valley overlooks Parco della Mandria, and the entrance to the Valle di Susa. It is located on the slopes of the first mountain range, and has an open and very panoramic profile towards the Po 3
HIKERS’ ADVISES
The pages of this guide provide hikers with detailed information and descriptions about the routes along which the stages of the long-distance hiking routes extend. This material is available on-line; also in the area you can find additional elements of help and accompaniment, such as hiking vertical and horizontal signs and, a series of notice boards and direct information from tour operators in the major towns.
described here, must have a basic preparation on the fundamental notions of the excursion activity. In particular hikers should be provided of the necessary equipment in relation to the route to be tackled; should be able to evaluate the environmental and climatic conditions within the Alps; and have a adequate diet and a physical preparation; know topography; be able in orientation and to interpret the signs, have some competence about the flora and fauna, and in Alpine culture; be aware of the rules of behaviour in the refuges, in the bivouacs and along the routes.
However, it is essential that hikers, who intend to take these paths, are prepared with the necessary care to deal with the excursion in complete safety. In relation to the Alpine environment where the continuous climate and morphological changes can vary the conditions of use and the level of difficulty of the routes.
Despite the constant monitoring and maintenance actions planned by the Local Authorities, sudden climatic and environmental events can change the conditions of practicability of the paths, damaging the signage elements and the aid supports. For this reason, hikers must always proceed with caution and attention and check in advance the conditions of the route through the official information channels and direct contacts with operators in the area. Each itinerary are classified in relation to the officially recognised difficulty scale for hiking routes, taking into account both optimal environmental conditions and the appropriate level of preparation of the users.
The practice of outdoor activities, hiking, mountaineering and climbing take place entirely in the natural environment and are in any case activities that present risks and those who practice them take full responsibility. Local authorities and operators take precautionary measures to ensure that the various environments operate with a suitable level of safety, but in any case, a residual risk is always present and can never be zero. Anyone who wants to experience the itineraries 4
E = Hikers Routes on paths or evident traces in various types of terrain (pastures, debris, stones...). They are generally marked with paint or small men (pie- three stacked in a pyramid shape that allow you to identify the path even from in the distance). They can also be signed up in snowy environments, but only in mild slopes. They require special hiking equipment, a sufficient orientation and training for a few hours walk.
They require specific hiking equipment, sufficient orientation skills, and an adequate training for a few hours walk.
EE = Experienced hikers
Routes are generally signed, but there may be some difficulties: the terrain can be made up of slippery slopes of grass, mixed rocks and grass, rocks, snowy slopes or even single rocky passages easy to climb (use of hands in some places). Although these routes do not require any particular equipment, they may provide equipped parts, even if not so demanding. They require a good knowledge of the alpine environment, a good pace and absence of vertigo. The physical preparation must be adequate for a continuous day’s walk.
They require a good knowledge of the alpine environment, surefootedness and absence of vertigo. Adequate training for a day’s walk.
EEA = Experienced hikers with equipment They require an excellent knowledge of the mountains, equipment and the use of self-insurance devices.
The itinerary for which are indicated equipped routes (or via ferrata) require the use of self-insurance devices.
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TOUR DELL’UJA (TU) The route in brief COMMON
Cantoira - Ceres Chialamberto Ala di Stura - Balme
SECTOR
ETON
STEPS
4
TOTAL LENGTH
36 Km
TOTAL DEVELOPMENT
4750 m (up)
DIFFICULT
E
ADVISORY PERIOD
from June to September
CORRESPONDENCE
No
The hiking itinerary TOUR DELL’UJA (TU) is so named because it develops along the sunny side of the Val d’Ala, and maintains the top of the Uja di Mondrone as an evocative reference element in the panorama. You will touch the pyramid at the top of it in the last stage. Starting from Cantoira, the route immediately turns towards the peak of the Sanctuary of Santa Cristina, a religious bastion that marks the entrance of Val d’Ala and Val Grande di Lanzo. Then you start to walk longitudinally towards the head of the valley at Pian della Mussa. It is a very varied trek characterized by a gradual ascent starting from the shady side of the beech forest of Cantoira and the woods of Ceres, and then to arrive to the pastures of Ala di Stura and reach the rocky slopes of Uja di Mondrone in Balme, and eventually rest in the pastures of Pian della Mussa. Stage places offer very different opportunities. In the first stages there are the small tourist structures and typical agritourism in the territory, once climbed higher you can take advantage of the support of the operators, previously contacted, available to reach the hiker to accompany him in the valley at their own facilities through the rural roads that reach the pastures. In the last two stages it is possible to enjoy a bivouac always open and available to hikers who are travelling in high mountain, and finally the refuges and hotels of Pian della Mussa. The paths all well signed, and consist on path or footpath and partly on a white road leading to the mountain pastures and on forest tracks. You can walk all these tracks without a equipment in the optimal period from May/June to October, but the length and height difference of some stages require a good training. The recommended direction to travel is from east to west and therefore in a progressive increasing altitude, to face uphill some passages that could instead be more difficult downhill especially if the weather conditions are not optimal. The route offers the possibility to connect and vary the route, at the starting point Cantoira, in the 3 Vallate. This can become an alternative extension, while on the territory of Balme with the GTA and with the Alta Via delle Valli di Lanzo and then, for those who want to extend to the west, until the Tour della Bessanese and France.
Advisory access Access east From Cantoira you have to reach Trambiè, where there is a public swimming pool near the Stura torrent; then you have to cross the stone and wooden bridge to take path n. 307 which leads to the Sanctuary of Santa Cristina. Medium access From Ceres we reach the Village of Bracchiello by footpath n. 241 to continue the route in the west or east direction. From Ala di Stura on the path n. 238 that starts from the town you can reach Alpe d’Attia. You can decide whether to continue your itinerary west or east. Access West From the Common of Balme, we reach Pian della Mussa, where near the Città di Ciriè Refuge starts the path n. 226 which allows us to follow the route towards the West to the East. It should be remembered that if we proceed in this direction of travel, we will find some passages that are more difficult in descent, especially in the trunks in the high mountains along the slopes of Uja di Mondrone and lakes Ru and Mercurin. 6
STAGE 1 - Village Trambiè - Village Bracchiello Starting from Trambiè, path n. 307 runs along the right bank of the Torrent Stura, goes up to the “dolmen” Combin, then goes into the forest to reach Piano Uccello (1102 m) by means of the traces of an ancient lake now drained. You will find a forest track that follows up to Senale village (1083 m) and then start again the ascent amid the beech wood until you meet the stone staircase that leads to the Sanctuary Santa Cristina (1340 m) and to a fabulous view of Val Grande. The descent to Pian di Ceres along track n. 242 allows the visit of the Chapel degli Angeli and the Chapel degli Appestati. On the next half-coast part of path n. 242A, you will reach the village of Monti di Voragno (973 m). If you continue half-coast along the path n. 260 towards Hamlet Belmonte and Case Belfè (1146 m), you will find the dirt road that descends to Hamlet Bracchiello (843 m), where the first stage ends and you can find hospitality in the accommodations of the place.
Technical Notes Travel Time: 4,30 h Trail Sign: 307 - 301B - 301 - 242 - 242A - 260 Halfway Point of connection with: Ceres from Path n. 242 connection to Ceres Railway Station or bus lines, SFMA
Departure: Cantoria, Village Trambiè (765 m) Arrival: Ceres, Village Bracchiello (881 m) Difficulty: E Length: 11,6 Km Difference in altitude: 800 m
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STAGE 2 - Village Bracchiello - Alpe d’Attia Starting from the Village Bracchiello along the path n. 241, you walk through a wood. The route goes up the Vallone del Rio Crosiasse and goes along both sides to reach the Crosiasse alpine pasture (1795 m). Continuing on track n. 241, you turn south-west and continue climbing until you reach the panoramic Colle d’Attia (2101 m). From this point begins a descent on track n. 238 that leads to the Alpe d’Attia where this stage ends. In order to reach the accommodation facilities, it is necessary to descend again for a stretch along the southern-oriented arrangement on track n. 238 to reach Pian d’Attia where you cross the connection to the road. Otherwise, from Alpe d’Attia, take a further stretch of route on path n. 236A, and cross with a wide arc to the west the valley of Rio Chianale up to Alpe Serpeis (1603 m). Here is present a driveway. From the meeting points it is possible to be reached by one of the tour operators of the Ala municipality, contacted in advance, will be able to accompany hikers to the main village with their own car or truck, and the day after to the starting point.
Technical Notes Difference in altitude: 1100 m (low path variant 800 m) Travel Time: 5 h (low path variant: 3,30 h) Trail Sign: 241 - 238 - 236A Halfway Point of connection with: no
Departure: Ceres, Village Bracchiello (881 m) Arrival: Ala di Stura, Alpe d’Attia (1741 m) Difficulty: E Length: 8,3 Km (variant 6,3 Km)
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STAGE 3 - Alpe d’Attia - Bivouac Molino Starting from Alpe d’Attia, you follow a stretch of route on path n. 236A, and cross with a wide arc on the west the valley of Rio Chianale to Alpe Serpeis (1603 m). You continue in the alternating stretches in the middle and climbs in hairpin bends, meet some crossings of river and exit from the wooded area continue through pastures. Pass Alpe Malatrait di Sopra (1832 m) and reach near Alpe Ciavanis (1890 m) the track n. 236, which climbs decisively towards the Alpe Pian Comune (2058 m) where you will turn left towards the west on path n. 235. You will find the Alpe Malzè (2102 m) a short distance from the turnaround and continue at the next junction on track n. 235A until you reach Lake Vasuero and the Alp Pian del Lago (2236 m). At this point, pay particular attention to the tracks within the pasture area. You take the highest path n. 233B and cross the little valley with many small ridges up to the Alpe le Frere. Here you can take the climb up to pass the river, beyond which you will soon reach the path n. 233 near the Bivouac Molino. At the bivouac this stage ends, in a panoramic and impressive view towards the whole Val d’Ala.
Technical Notes Travel Time: 5,30 h (7 h starting from Ala di Stura) Trail Sign: 236A - 236 - 235 - 235A - 233B - 233 Halfway Point of connection with: no
Departure: Ala di Stura, Alpe d’Attia (1741 m) Arrival: Balme, Bivouac Molino (2279 m) Difficulty: E Length: 9 Km Difference in altitude: 1550 m
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STAGE 4 - Bivouac Molino - Refuge Città di Ciriè Starting from the Bivouac Molino, after the descent to the Alpe Le Piane (2032 m), you turn west on path n. 232 and shortly after on the n. 232A, which reaches slightly up Lake Mercurin (2497 m). You go along the lake on the south bank, along path n. 227, and then go up a steep ravine of inconsistent debris until you reach Lake Ru (2585 m). After having passed the lake, you will find a very panoramic plateau, on the balcony of the Val d’Ala, and you reach the Alpe della Rossa (2230 m). You continue walking along a wide curve, and follow path n. 226A on the right, at the crossroad, and then descend to the Pian della Ciamarella. You cross Rio della Ciamarella and descend quickly along path n. 226 and reach Refuge Città di Ciriè (1860 m).
Technical Notes Departure: Balme, Bivouac Molino (2279 m) Arrival: Balme, Refuge Città di Ciriè (1850 m) Difficulty: E Length: 8,3 Km
Difference in altitude: 1000 m Travel Time: 5 h Trail Sign: 233 - 232 - 232A - 227 - 226A - 226 Halfway Point of connection with: no
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Hikers’ facilities Trattoria dei passeggeri Hamlet Bracchiello, 10070 Ceres x +39 3476758505 v info@trattoriadeipasseggeri.it R www.trattoriadeipasseggeri.it STAGE 1 - STAGE 2
Suitable for ✓ Itinerary of historical and cultural interest ✓ Itinerary for Mountain-bikes (some parts)
Bivouac Molino (2280 m) Locality I Fondi, 10070 Balme Opened: all the year Beds: 24 Management: C.A.I. Lanzo Torinese STAGE 3 - STAGE 4
✓ Bridleway (some parts) ✓ Winter itinerary (STAGE 1) × Itinerary suitable for disabled people
Refuge Città di Ciriè Locality Giasset, Pian della Mussa, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 738158 - +39 329 2141782 +39 370 3329300 v info@rifugiocirie.eu R www.rifugiocirie.eu Opened: all the year Beds: 24 STAGE 4
For more information www.cailanzo.it www.turismovallidilanzo.it R www.trattoriadeipasseggeri.it R www.rifugiocirie.eu R R
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UPPER VALLEY
CANTOIRA
ELEVATION
750 m a.s.l.
POPULATION
562 (November 2017)
DISTANCE FROM TURIN
45 Km
TOWN BOUNDARIES
Ceres, Chialamberto, Locana, Monastero di Lanzo
PATRONAL FESTIVAL
Santi Pietro e Paolo Apostoli 29th June
ACTIVITIES SUMMER Hiking Trekking Mountain Bike Sport Fishing Climbing
WINTER Hiking Snow Shoe Sport Fishing Climbing
Cantoira is a mountain village laid on the slope of Mount Bellavarda (2345 m). Torrent Stura flows through Cantoira; the village is surrounded by prairies and typical alpine woods, more likely larch and beech trees that characterise the mountain environment of Valle Grande di Lanzo. The Santa Cristina Sanctuary (1340 m) stands over the village on the peak that carries the same name. The strategic position of Cantoira, from where is possible to reach many other escursionistic destinations, transformed the village into a touristic center since early 19th century. Cantoira continue to maintain a primary role within the Lanzo valleys, as it hosts, all the year-long, a lot of entrateiment events, sport manifestations and fairs, which are opportunities for meeting people, occasions of aggregation and also of discovering or re-descovering typical products, handicrafts and local culture.
CURIOSITY Some people say that the name Cantoira comes from the Latin centuria romana that probably used to be settled there; others think that its name comes from the chanting place (Cantoira) of the local monks. In the past, Cantoira was famous for its production of wooden clogs. At Christmas time, the most charming places of the main village are decorated with beautiful nativity scenes that can be visited for free. The settlements are completed with cultural events and torching processions.
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MUST SEE
Talcum mine Brunetta: Between 19th and 20th century, many veins of talcum were discovered in the low valley of Lanzo. This led, in the first decade of the 20th century, to the opening and exploitation of many talcum mines, among them the mines of Cugni, Rivet, Giargiatta e Alpe Brunetta. In 1913, the Ditta Piton Giovanni from Ceres was the first company, which started the extracting works in gallery next to the Alpe Brunetta. Located at 1539 m of altitude on the mount around Cantoira, the mine was then closed in the Seventies. Today, thanks to important interventions for the promotion of the local heritage, the mine is open to the public in special occasions. The mine is now an historical industrial evidence among the Lanzo valleys.
Santa Cristina Sanctuary: The Santa Cristina Sanctuary dominates the village of Cantoira at the height of 1340 m. over a summit, which divides Val Grande from Val d’Ala. The Sanctuary can be reached from different paths; the last segment of the way is characterised by a long stone staircase that leads to the churchyard. Ecomuseo Antica Miniera di Talco Brunetta: Ancient talcum mine x +39 0123 320117 v cailanzotorinese@gmail.com The Ecomuseum entitled Antica Miniera di Talco Brunetta has been built in order to recover and promote the heritage that the mine activity had left on this site. This is a very special museum: a museum about industrial archaeology, reachable only on foot at 1580 m of altitude. Here it is possible to visit the miners’ room, where materials and food of the 19th century period are collected; it is possible to enter the hangar of the electric locomotive and visit the machine-room of the mine. Miner’s path: www.cailanzo.it From Vrù it is possible to reach the Ecomuseo Antica Miniera di Talco Brunetta by walking through the path that used to connect the mine with the valley bottom. It is a few kilometres fascinating route, which permits to appreciate nature, and to remember the stories of the miners living in the valleys. The route runs through rural roads, old villages, mule tracks and go forth along the narrow valley and the river to reach the entrance of the mine.
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NOTES Food and Drink
Accomodation
Ristorante Bar Progresso Via Roma 158, 10070 Cantoira x +39 335 1445757
Bed & Breakfst Al Cavallino Via Lensi 45, 10700 Cantoira x +39 0123 585811 - +39 340 2321929 v info@bbalcavallino.it R www.nuke.bbalcavallino.it
Pizzeria Nuovo Look Via Roma 154, 10070 Cantoira x +39 0123 585543 v nuovolooksas@gmail.com
Albergo Ristorante Cantoira Via Roma 137, 10070 Cantoira x +39 0123 585413 R www.albergoristorantecantoira.com
Albergo Ristorante Cantoira Via Roma 137, 10070 Cantoira x +39 0123 585413 R www.albergoristorantecantoira.com
Sport Fishing Riserve in the trait flowing from the Ciape’ Bertan bridge (near Ecostazione) towards downstream till the bridge in the center of the town. R www.comune.cantoira.to.it
Bar Trattoria Villa Via Roma 20, 10070 Cantoira x +39 331 2159323 Osteria degli amici (Ristorante - Pizzeria) Via Roma 179, 10070 Cantoira x +39 0123 585897 v idatrincheri@gmail.com
Tourist information For further information about the municipality, accommodation, hiking routes and events, please visit the following sites:
Trattoria del Centro (Bar - Vineria) Via Roma 91-93, 10070 Cantoira x +39 0123 585643
www.comune.cantoira.to.it www.turismovallidilanzo.it R www.cailanzo.it R www.montagnapertutti.org R www.tourdellabessanese.eu R
Trattoria Alpina Hamlet VrĂš, 10070 Cantoira x +39 0123 585709
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UPPER VALLEY
CERES
ELEVATION
704 m a.s.l.
POPULATION
1045 (December 2018)
DISTANCE FROM TURIN
42 Km
TOWN BOUNDARIES
Ala di Stura, Cantoira, Chialamberto, Groscavallo, Mezzenile, Monastero di Lanzo, Pessinetto
PATRONAL FESTIVAL
Santa Maria Assunta 15th August
ACTIVITIES SUMMER Hiking Trekking Mountain Bike Fishing in torrent Football 5 players Climbing walls (artificial and natural)
WINTER Hiking Snowshoe
Surrounded by woods and chestnut trees, Ceres is the starting point of several trekkings on the near mountains. Together with Cantoira, Ceres shares the superb landscape of Mount Santa Cristina (1340 m) and its Sanctuary overlooking the valley. Ceres’s good position has determined a large touristic interest since 19th century. The construction of the historical railway, which used to connect Ceres to Turin, is characterised both by the eclectic architecture of the stations and by the huge bridge in reinforced concrete: one of the first realisations of this kind of prefabricated construction. The large presence of tourists led to the construction of several villas in liberty style. This is an evidence of the glorious past of the valleys. The multiple itineraries on the territory lead to alpine villages, to little chapels and bell towers, to stone bridges and ancient rural houses. All together, they represent a good opportunity to discover the local cultural heritage, which is exhaustively narrated in the various rooms of the ethnographic museum Museo delle Genti.
CURIOSITY
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1914
In Italy the first viaduct in reinforced concrete was erected as exclusive final trait of the Turin – Ceres railway.
1920
The Torino-Ceres line is the first railway in the world that adopted the electric traction consisting in continued electric current at high tension (4000 V).
Viaduct in reinforced concrete of the railway line Torino – Ceres: The viaduct that completes the final trait of the Turin – Ceres railway was erected in 1914 in reinforced concrete by the historical Company Porcheddu, which imported such technique in Italy for the first time. The structure is one of the first realized in that way.
MUST SEE Bridge Vana: Locality Vana, 10070 Ceres The Vana Bridge is a stone bridge; it has a curved shape and was built in 1740 to substitute the previous wooden bridge, which fell during a flood in 1739. Museo delle Genti delle Valli di Lanzo: Piazza Municipio 12, 10070 Ceres x +39 333 4825771 v d.genta@csptorino.it The Museum’s aim is to promote local culture and territory. It is divided in thematic areas. The visiting tour narrates the old traditions and the professions of the past through the daily life objects and the tools of professional handicrafts.
The walking itinerary starts from Ceres and arrives to the steep height where Santa Cristina Sanctuary stands. It proceeds down towards Cantoira and then again upward to reach Ceres. The arrival to the Sanctuary is a touching experience that culminates with the ascent of a long and large stone staircase leading to the churchyard. According to some historical evidences, it seems that the Sanctuary building was decided after the apparition of Saint Cristina to a shepherd. The inhabitants of Ceres and Cantoira agreed to collaborate in order to realize the construction. But as soon as the work was finished, the two towns started to struggle to own the property of the estate. The dispute finally ended with the attribution of the ownership to the inhabitants of Cantoira.
Bell tower 12th century: Piazza IV Novembre, 10070 Ceres The Ring of Santa Cristina: www.cailanzo.it
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NOTES Food and Drink
Albergo Ristorante Pizzeria Ceres Via Ala 1, 10070 Ceres x +39 0123 521079
Antica Cooperativa del Fè Bar Hamlet Fè 134, 10070 Ceres x +39 340 3443055
Casa Carolina Bed & Breakfast Hamlet Chiamorio 1, 10070 Ceres x +39 340 9610604
Caffè Stazione Via Lanzo 9, 10070 Ceres x +39 0123 53393
Azienda Agricola “Naturalmente” Regione Molino 4, 10070 Ceres x +39 0123 521100 - +39 347 0888799 v naturalmente.ceres@libero.it R www.aziendanaturalmente.it
Chry's Bar Piazza Europa 14, 10070 Ceres x +39 347 0937045
Baita San Giacomo San Giacomo la Moia, 10070 Ceres x +39 335 5694257 v info@cailanzo.it R www.cailanzo.it
Bar Europa Piazza Europa 32, 10070 Ceres x +39 0123 53395 Al Vecchio Campanile Pub Piazza IV Novembre 6, 10070 Ceres x +39 333 7088831
Sport
L’ostou d’lou quinquèe Ristorante Piazza Europa 11, 10070 Ceres x +39 346 6611185
Football and Tennis courts Piazza Grande Torino, 10070 Ceres x +39 0123 53395
Trattoria dei passeggeri Hamlet Bracchiello 19, 10070 Ceres x +39 0123 233004 v info@trattoriadeipasseggeri.it R www.trattoriadeipasseggeri.it
Tourist information For further information about the municipality, accommodation, hiking routes and events, please visit the following sites: www.comune.ceres.to.it www.turismovallidilanzo.it R www.cailanzo.it R www.montagnapertutti.org R
Albergo Ristorante Valli di Lanzo Via Roma 11, 10070 Ceres x +39 0123 53180 R www.ristorantevallidilanzo.eu
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Albergo Ristorante Pizzeria Ceres Via Ala 1, 10070 Ceres x +39 0123 521079
Accomodation Albergo Ristorante Valli di Lanzo Via Roma 11, 10070 Ceres x +39 0123 53180 R www.ristorantevallidilanzo.eu
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UPPER VALLEY
CHIALAMBERTO
ELEVATION
851 m a.s.l.
POPULATION
346 (November 2017)
DISTANCE FROM TURIN
49 Km
TOWN BOUNDARIES
Ala di Stura, Cantoira, Ceres, Groscavallo, Locana, Noasca
PATRONAL FESTIVAL
Santi Filippo e Giacomo 1st May
ACTIVITIES SUMMER Hiking Trekking Paragliding Climbing Mountain Bike Sport Fishing
Chialamberto occupies the central part of Val Grande and counts, spread in its territory, several little towns and villages that in the past were independent communities.
WINTER Ski Touring Cross-country Skiing Snowshoe Sport Fishing
At high altitude, over 2000 m, in summer herds use to graze on the ancient alpine pastures and alpine lakes. On the sunny slope the Sanctuary of Madonna del Ciavanis represents an important cult destination, goal of hikers and sportsmen of mountain biking, mountain running; it is in an optimal position for paragliding launch.
Until 1831, it was divided into three municipalities: Vonzo, Mottera and Chialamberto. This latter, Chialamberto, became the principal village thanks to its central position and because of the presence of the parish and of the praetorium headquarters. Still today, it is possible to walk along the ancient mule tracks that for centuries have connected the villages of the two sides of the valley. It is also possible to walk along the Stura riverside, along the paths of the valley bottom, and the large pasture meadows and fresh woods.
CURIOSITY Traditional legends narrate that some witches used to live in the surroundings of Chialamberto, near the huge stone called Roch delle Masche (Rock of the witches). One night, for malevolence, the witches decided to destroy the Devil's Bridge in Lanzo, by throwing a huge stone. While they were carrying it , thanks to their magic powers, towards the bottom of the valley, they were intercepted by the Devil who, to punish them, deprived them of their magic. The witches, having become common women, had to struggled enormously to bring back the rock at its original place. The legend tells that the signs of that effort are still visible today on the walls of the huge stone.
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MUST SEE
Vonzo erosion pyramids "Castei d’le Rive": The Castei d’le Rive (Castels of the shores) are named that way because they seems to spring out like castels on the banks of the Rio Paglia. They are columns of moraine terrain, about ten meters high, made up of earth and stone and modeled in these curious shapes by the erosion of water. They are also known by different names such as pere a ciapel (stones with a hat) or pilon dal mascas (towers of witches). Starting from Vonzo, you can admire the Castei d’le Rive walking along the indicated path.
Sanctuary Madonna del Ciavanis: Hamlet Vonzo, 10070 Chialamberto At the altitude of 1880 m, the Sanctuary Madonna del Ciavanis, built in 1755, dominates the valley below. The Sanctuary can be reached from the town of Vonzo, along the private road of the mountain pastures or from the ancient path that leads to the beginning of a 366-steps staircase ending in the churchyard. About halfway along the route is the Roch delle Masche, a large stone with a particular square shape, and about twenty meters high. Ring of the alpine chapels Missirola – Urtirè: R www.cailanzo.it It is a charming walking circuit, which passes through two small alpine villages, where are visitable two chapels built in 18th century.
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NOTES Food and Drink
Albergo della Posta Hotel and Restaurant Via Roma 28, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 0123 506286 R www.albergodellaposta-chialamberto.it
Campi Giochi Bar Via Valnera, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 338 5249785 - +39 348 9324693
Sport
Pista Pattinaggio Bar Via Cossiglia, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 338 5249785 - +39 348 9324693
Chialambertese Bowls Club Via Inverso, 10070 Chialamberto
Cesarin Restaurant Via Breno 93, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 0123 506720
Football Field Via Valnera, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 338 5249785 - +39 348 9324693
Ristorante Alpino Restaurant P.zza F.lli Chiariglione 1, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 0123 506716
Tennis Court Via Valnera, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 338 5249785 - +39 348 9324693
Il Corvo Reale Farmhouse Via Mottera 4, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 347 3098545
Val Grande cross-country skiing (900 m - 1300 m) Hamlet Cossiglia, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 347 8833278
La Muanda Farmhouse Via Vonzo, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 0123 506390 - +39 349 8490840 R www.lamuanda.it
“Le Levanne� Ski School Locality Cossiglia, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 347 8833278 - +39 346 1407255 +39 347 3671445
Albero Fiorito Hotel and Restaurant Via Roma 23, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 0123 506707
Tourist information For further information about the municipality, accommodation, hiking routes and events, please visit the following sites:
Albergo della Posta Hotel and Restaurant Via Roma 28, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 0123 506286 R www.albergodellaposta-chialamberto.it
www.comune.chialamberto.to.it www.turismovallidilanzo.it R www.cailanzo.it R www.montagnapertutti.org R R
Accomodation Il Corvo Reale Farmhouse Via Mottera 4, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 347 3098545 La Muanda Farmhouse Via Vonzo, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 0123 506390 - +39 349 8490840 R www.lamuanda.it Albergo Ristorante Albero Fiorito Via Roma 23, 10070 Chialamberto x +39 0123 506707
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UPPER VALLEY
ALA DI STURA
ELEVATION
1080 m a.s.l.
POPULATION
456 (November 2017)
DISTANCE FROM TURIN
56 Km
TOWN BOUNDARIES
Balme, Chialamberto, Ceres, Groscavallo, Lemie, Mezzenile
PATRONAL FESTIVAL
San Nicolao 6th December
ACTIVITIES SUMMER Hiking Trekking Mountain Bike Sport Fishing
WINTER Ski Touring Downhill Skiing Nordic Skiing Snow Shoe Ice Skating
Reaching Ala di Stura is an enchanting experience. From the bottom of the valley, driving on the road that twist and turn within a natural landscape, one reaches a tunnel carved in the rock. Like a door opening wide on the magnificent sightseeing over the mountain crown: Mount Bessanese (3604 m), Mount Uja di Mondrone (2964 m) and Mount Rosso (2763 m). Ala di Stura is located on the old trajectory that joined Chambery and Turin through pass Arnas. For this reason Ala di Stura used to be an international commercial exchange place, especially famous for the manufacturing of wonderful solar clocks and for the gorgeous frescos characteristic of its houses and palaces. In 1872, Ala di Stura became rapidly an internationally known resort for holidays and leisure, thanks of the road open to vehicles was built in those years. Nowadays, it is still identified as one of the best site within the Lanzo valleys for its ski lifts facilities. Deep in green grassland, surrounded by chestnut, beech and larch trees, facing wonderful peaks, with torrent Stura flowing through, Ala di Stura maintains a great attractive appeal for tourists, thanks to the many different activities that can be practiced here.
CURIOSITY
24
189O
A telegraph service was settled to keep in contact Ala di Stura with Ceres, a village several km far from Ala
1912
In Martassina, a district close to Ala di Stura, was built the Sanctuary of the Lourdes Grotta. Inside stands a statue of the Virgin made by the artist Leonardo Bistolfi(1859-1933)
MUST SEE
Sundials: Ala di Stura is well known as "the town of sundials" because of its 76 solar clocks located in the village. This peculiarity could be associated to the traditional commercial role that Ala di Stura used to have in the past centuries. Sundials were, in fact, necessary instruments to deal with traders and wayfarers. Ala’s sundials were settled in various periods, but the most interesting are those of mid 19th century.
Waterfall La Gorgia di Mondrone: Locality Tomà, 10070 Ala di Stura As soon as the small hamlet of Tomà is left behind, going along the torrent Stura, you can admire its tremendous and dizzy waterfall La Gorgia di Mondrone. Meridiane Tours: Via Ceres 3, 10070 Ala di Stura x +39 340 5803933 R www.progettomeridiane.comunealadistura.it The Meridiane Tours is a 2007 project which aims to promote and let know Ala di Stura and its surroundings, its cultural and artistic peculiarities, also outside the valley and its immediate neighbourhoods. Seven thematic itineraries are offered that lead visitors to get the most interesting and peculiar aspects of Ala di Stura, exploring it through its roads and its historical places. Pian delle Masche Path www.cailanzo.it This itinerary connects the Martassina Sanctuary to Ala di Stura. It develops along alpine pastures, woods and streams: environments which evoke, in child and adults’ imaginary, traditional fairy and witch (masche) tales, well known and popular among the Lanzo valleys.
R
25
NOTES Accomodation
Food and Drink
Ristorante Vannelli Grand Hotel Ala Di Stura Via Pian del Tetto 2, 10070 Ala di Stura x +39 0123 55189 v info@grandhotelaladistura.it R www.grandhotelaladistura.it
Ristorante Vannelli Grand Hotel Ala Di Stura Via Pian del Tetto 2, 10070 Ala di Stura x +39 0123 55189 v info@grandhotelaladistura.it R www.grandhotelaladistura.it
La Crestolina Bed & Breakfast Hamlet Cresto 49, 10070 Ala di Stura x +39 393 6354917 v lacrestolina@gmail.com R www.lacrestolina.it
Albergo d’Ala Ristorante Silla Via Villar 10, 10070 Ala di Stura x +39 0123 565028 - +39 348 8567668 v castagneriroberto@virgilio.it R www.albergoristoranteala.it
Residenza La Bessanese Appartamenti Via Ceres, 10070 Ala di Stura
Hotel Ristorante Raggio Di Sole Via Ceres 7, 10070 Ala di Stura x +39 0123 55191 v info@hotelraggiodisole.it R www.hotelraggiodisole.it
Albergo D’Ala Ristorante Silla Via Villar 10, 10070 Ala di Stura x +39 0123 565028 - +39 348 8567668 v castagneriroberto@virgilio.it R www.albergoristoranteala.it Hotel Ristorante Raggio Di Sole Via Ceres 7, 10070 Ala di Stura x +39 0123 55191 v info@hotelraggiodisole.it R www.hotelraggiodisole.it
Bar Ristorante Maronero Piazza Centrale 12, 10070 Ala di Stura x +39 0123 565021 v sandromoletto@gmail.com
Sport
Gran Bar Via Pian del Tetto 5, 10070 Ala di Stura x +39 345 5325660 v ga.gianlucaantonietti@gmail.com
Alafishig Tre Ponti Sport Fishing x +39 0123 55124 - +39 347 8012504 R www.comune.aladistura.to.it “La Giaseri” Hockey Club Ala Ice Skating Via Circonvallazione 42, 10070 Ala di Stura x +39 339 3433635 v lagiaseri@gmail.com
Ca D’j Pra Pizzeria e Ristorante Via Villar 81, 10070 Ala di Stura x +39 328 2074207 v cadjpra@davide.it R www.cadjpra.it
Karfen Ski Lift e Ski School x +39 348 1603927 v scuolascikarfenala@outlook.com
Antico Albergo Camusot Via Capoluogo 21, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 82837 - +39 328 2032750 v camusot@tiscali.it
Tourist information For further information about the municipality, accommodation, hiking routes and events, please visit the following sites:
Agriturismo La Masinà Locality Pian della Mussa, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 820021 - +39 347 4439384 v info@agrimasina.com R www.agrimasina.com
www.comune.aladistura.to.it www.prolocoaladistura.it R www.turismovallidilanzo.it R www.cailanzo.it R www.montagnapertutti.org R R
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UPPER VALLEY
BALME
ELEVATION
1432 m a.s.l.
POPULATION
111 (November 2017)
DISTANCE FROM TURIN
57 Km
TOWN BOUNDARIES
Ala di Stura, Groscavallo, Lemie, Usseglio, Francia
PATRONAL FESTIVAL
Holy Trinity, The First Sunday after Pentecost
ACTIVITIES SUMMER Hiking Trekking Mountaineering Climbing Mountain Bike Sport Fishing
Balme is the most elevated village in Val d’Ala (1432 m above sea level). It is the last village before the valley opens in the large plain called Pian della Mussa.
WINTER Nordic Skiing Downhill Ski Snow Shoe Baby Ski Touring Ice Skating
connoisseurs of the mountains peaks, became expert alpine guides and let earn to Balme the title of “cradle of the Turin alpinism” and “alpine guides village”. Today Balme is the ideal place for experience an immersion in the purest alpine environment.
The spectacular alpine’s peaks amphitheatre around Balme makes it a unique place. From here, in fact, one can admire the highest mountains of the Lanzo valleys: Mount Bessanese (3604 m) and Mount Ciamarella (3676 m) which mark the border between Italy and France. The mounts Mount Albaron di Sea (3,262 m asl), Mount Punta Rossa di Sea (2908 m), and Mount Uja di Mondrone (2964 m) separate Val d'Ala from Val Grande; while Mount Punta Servin (3108 m) and Mount Torre d'Ovarda (3075 m) delimit the border with Val di Viù. The natural landscape around Balme alternates green fields and suggestive woods of beech, larch, birch and pines, which surround rich areas of rhododendrons, junipers and blueberries. The river Stura crosses the valley and collects the water coming from the upper mountains’ streams and lakes.
CURIOSITY
This rich and varied environment is the ideal habitat for bouquetins, chamois, roe deers and marmots that can be seen abundantly all the year-long and at very close distance. Frequent sightings are confirmed in Pian della Mussa and in the neighbourhood of the alpine refuges Ciriè and Gastaldi. Alpine croaks, hawks, buzzards, bearded vultures and eagles have found their home between the mountain peaks and the sky above Balme. From the second half of the 19th century, Balme, which used to be inhabited by shepherds and miners, began to attract the interest of Italian and foreign alpinists because of the spectacular nature of its mountains. For this reason, many residents who were keen 27
1874
At Christmas Eve, Antonio Castagneri, a balmese guide, together with the alpinists Martelli and Vaccarone, climbed for the first time in winter the mountain Uja di Mondrone. This successful event launched the winter alpinism as a sport.
1896
Adolf Kind uses the first pair of ski to reach Pian della Mussa starting from Balme.
1922
The aqueduct of Pian della Mussa is inaugurated. Still today it brings water to Turin.
1927
Toni Ortelli, fascinated by Pian della Mussa, composed the famous song La Montanara.
MUST SEE
Pian della Mussa: Pian della Mussa is a vast grassy plateau which occupies a large area shortly above Balme, at an altitude between 1700 and 1850 meters. It is crossed by the torrent Stura. Originally the plain was covered by a glacier, which later became a lake. The wide region is surrounded by many peaks of the Graie Alps. From the steep side of the mountains around the plateau, run several streams flowing into the torrent Stura. Pian della Mussa is an historical and traditional destination for excursions and trekking, and it is recognized as a site of Community interest.
La Gorgia Waterfall: Village centre, 10070 Balme La Gorgia (the gorge) is a wonderful waterfall of the river Stura that, right in the centre of the village, makes a leap of tens of meters. A 19th century bridge surpasses the waterfall, allowing to admire it in all its magnitude. Fortress Ruciàss: Via Capoluogo 15, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 55135 Built at the end of 1500 perhaps by the will of Giovanni Castagneri Ljnch, the fortress Ruciàss is an imposing defensive structure, conceived in order to let its inhabitants to reach oven, wash, fountain and chapel without ever going outside the building. This was particularly important in winter to cope with the usual great snowfalls.
Val Servin Circular Path: www.cailanzo.it It is a pleasant route along the Servìn Valley near Balme. The path is walkable in summer, and in winter with snowshoes. The circuit allows to discover what remains of the centuries-old man’s work: prehistoric engravings, an ancient natural glacier, an abandoned village where, in the Middle Ages, miners coming from Savoy, Bergamo and Val Sesia originally settled. The route runs in a intact environment, among large beech and larch woods, rock walls and iced falls. Here it is easy to find herons’s footprints, while they are busy in fishing in the frozen pools of the stream; or to catch sights of chamois, roe deers and many other inhabitants of the forest.
R
Ecomuseo delle Guide Alpine:
x +39 0123 82902 - +39 347 6488387 v info@comune.balme.to.it
www.ecomuseobalme.it The Alpine Guides Ecomuseum is located in the ancient seat of the Municipality. Inside one can find all the documentation that tells the story of the origin and development of Balme as protagonist of the Turin alpinism in the 20th century.
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28
NOTES Food and Drink
Ristorante Albaron di Savoia Villaggio Albaron 7, 10070 Balme x +39 339 8720825
Caffè Nazionale Via Roma 8, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 820009
Accomodation
Bar Centrale Via Capoluogo 98, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 233014
Agriturismo La Masinà Locality Pian della Mussa, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 820021 - +39 347 4439384 v info@agrimasina.com R www.agrimasina.com
Minibar Ciamarella Locality Pian della Mussa, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 320382 - +39 347 8768531
Bed & Breakfast Gloria Hamlet Cornetti 83, 10070 Balme x +39 338 2471376 v gloria.bb@libero.it
Ristorante Bricco Locality Pian della Mussa, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 82842
Antico Albergo Camusot Via Capoluogo 21, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 82837 - +39 328 2032750 v camusot@tiscali.it
Trattoria Alpina Pian della Mussa Locality Pian della Mussa, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 820010 - 338 1250466 v info@trattorialpina.it R www.trattorialpina.it
Villa Teja Bed & Breakfast Hamlet Cornetti 71, 10070 Balme x +39 349 4478557 v villatejabnb@gmail.com R www.villateja.com
Val Servin Pizzeria e Trattoria Hamlet Cornetti 76, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 820067 - +39 346 5219724 Rifugio Les Montagnards Hamlet Cornetti 73, 10070 Balme x +39 347 3634082 v info@lesmontagnards.it R www.lesmontagnards.it
Bivacco Gandolfo ai Laghi Verdi Open all year - 8 beds
Antico Albergo Camusot Via Capoluogo 21, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 82837 - +39 328 2032750 v camusot@tiscali.it
Rifugio Città di Ciriè Locality Giasset, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 738158 - +39 370 3329300 +39 329 2141782 v info@rifugiocirie.eu R www.rifugiocirie.eu
Bivacco Molino all’Uja di Mondrone Open all year - 24 beds
Agriturismo La Masinà Locality Pian della Mussa, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 820021 - +39 347 4439384 v info@agrimasina.com R www.agrimasina.com
Rifugio Gastaldi Locality Ciausinet, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 565008 - +39 348 3691127 v info@rifugiogastaldi.com R www.rifugiogastaldi.com
Rifugio Città di Ciriè Locality Giasset, 10070 Balme x +39 0123 738158 - +39 370 3329300 +39 329 2141782 v info@rifugiocirie.eu R www.rifugiocirie.eu
Rifugio Les Montagnards Hamlet Cornetti 73, 10070 Balme x +39 347 3634082 v info@lesmontagnards.it R www.lesmontagnards.it
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NOTES Appartamento Curnet Hamlet Cornetti 65, 10070 Balme x +39 347 6466862
Pakinò Ski Lift Locality Balme, 10070 Balme x +39 346 4333416
Sport
Tourist information
Aghieri Ecocampus Via Capoluogo 139, 10070 Balme x +39 340 9574181 v info@exploravita.org R www.ecocampuslaghieri.com
For further information about the municipality, accommodation, hiking routes and events, please visit the following sites: www.comune.balme.to.it www.turismovallidilanzo.it R www.cailanzo.it R www.montagnapertutti.org R www.tourdellabessanese.eu R
La Ghieri Skating Rink Locality Ghieri, 10070 Balme
R
Basket and Volley Camp Hamlet Cornetti, 10070 Balme
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