ALONG THE PATHS OF FORTS AND SMUGGLERS IN STURA VALLEY

Go to the file on King Albert’s Fort of Vinadio

 

RESORT:
Valle Stura - Pietraporzio - Vinadio (CN) 
LENGTH:
4 days / 3 nights
PROGRAMME: 1st day: Pontebernardo - Ferriere
The loop between Pontebernardo and Ferriere is particularly interesting both to mountain and nature lovers and to those who like military history. The path beginning in Pontebernardo and going up to the hamlet of Murenz has recently been tidied up by the Mountain Community. From Murenz, through a path first level and then downhill, one passes onto the side facing the spectacular bottleneck of Barricate. After arriving in Preinardo one goes up to Forneris Valley, then deviates and reaches Ferrere, headquarter of "La Mizoun dal Countrabandìer" museum, dedicated to souvenirs and materials connected to smuggling.
Going south-eastwards one reaches San Lorenzo meadows, from where the ascent towards Becchi Rossi starts again; Becchi are peculiar rocky pinnacles located in a strategic position. In fact, the area was intensely exploited for war aims, through the building of small forts, military roads and observation posts. On a former military road one goes down to Murenz (possibilty of a short diversion to visit "Lou quiouòt de la lubiero") and then Pontebernardo. Visit to the Sheepherding Ecomuseum. Overnight stay at Vinadio. 2nd day: Walk to the small forts
Hike to the forts of Sarziera, Source and Piroat. Starting from Vinadio (910 m.), after reaching the iron bridge crossing the river Stura near the hamlet of Goletta, one turns right to walk on an old mule track climbing up to the mountain near the village of Vinadio, allowing you to make a contact with uncontaminated nature made of fir and beech woods. From such trail, offering beautiful glimpses of landscapes onto Stura Valley, too, you’ll reach the Forts of Sarziera (1242 m), the defensive guard corp of Sources (1352 m) and Piroat (1402 m) which still hold their charme and the magic of past not to be forgotten, despite the way they have been abandoned during the centuries. We suggest to go back to the village passing through the path that reaches Rio Freddo valley and the hamlet of Pratolungo.
In the afternoon possibility to visit the Multimedia Trail “Mountain on the move” set up in the Fort of Vinadio. Dinner and overnight stay at Vinadio. 3rd day: Towards the Fort of Neghino
Stroll to the Fort of Neghino. A trail allowing tourists to reach a jewel in military architecture, built on an elliptical plan and easily reachable along the dust road beginning on the East side of the town of Vinadio. A unique occasion to admire one of the most panoramic areas in the valley and enjoy a bird’s eye view of King Albert’s Fort. Starting from Vinadio (910 m.), one walks along the road leading to S.Defendente, then turns left (follow Fort of Neghino) and walks along the dust road to reach the peak which, above Vinadio, overlooks the heights overshadowing the bottom of the valley. Through a loop trail one can go back to the place of departure by following the path linking to Neraissa valley and descending to Vinadio. 4th day: Vinadio Spas
A day at the Spas or, for those who wish it, a mountain bike outing (on foot upon request) loopwise between Vinadio and Pontebernardo. The trail between Vinadio and Pontebernardo develops on the sunny side of Stura Valley, and allows a comfortable trail of great historical and naturalistic interest. A hike suitable for anyone.
Departure from King Albert’s Fort of Vinadio, built in the mid XIX century and, in the past years, at the centre of an important work of valorisation and tourist promotion. From here one starti to climb up Neraissa Valley, characterized by huge works to fix its sides and waterflow since 1800s. One touches the two hamlets of Podio, then reaches the plane where the hamlets of Neraissa are: here, one can still see some old buildings made of stone, with wooden thympan and thatched roofs. On a former military road one reaches Neraissa Hill, excellent panoramic spot. From here, a path reaches the hamlet of Chiardoletta, where the chapel of Sant’Anna, with its many votive offerings (among them, one from a person who’s emigrated to Argentina), deserves a visit. If you keep going down, you’ll arrive at Sambuco, wher the Stura Valley Documentation Centre has its headquarters and a room dedicated to the valley’s traditions. The village deserves a visit, too (San Bartolomeo churches and bell tower, dating back to the XIV century). One continues towards the two hamlets of Moriglione, with their ancient dwellings and the chapel of San Lorenzo. From here, follow the "Path of the Sheepherding Ecomuseum" which, through fields once cultivated for rye, potatoes and lentils, and now used for hay or for ovine pasturing, first touches the hamlet of Castello and then Pontebernardo, located just before the severe gully of Barricate and homeplace to the Sheepherding Ecomuseum.
The path (very interesting from a naturalistic point of view), apart from letting you admire the spectacular peaks between Maritime and Cozie Alps, also allows you to observe remarkable flowerings (especially from mid-Spring to the end of Summer) and, with a bit of attention and luck, stags, roes, chamois and also the striking high-mountain birds of prey.

MIN/MAX NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS FORESEEN:
minimum 8 people
PRICE:
from € 370,00 

The fee includes:
3 overnight stay in hotel with access to the swimming pool and solarium, breakfast and dinner included for the whole length of the journey, 1 nature guide for hikes, welcome dinner, admission to the spa. The fee doesn’t include:
transport to the place of departure, packed lunch (upon request), extras, drinks and whatever isn’t specified in “The fee includes”.
PERIOD OF AVAILABILITY OF THE OFFER:
June to September

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS:
TEL. 0172/717574
FAX: 0172/725190
MAIL: perturismo@perturismo.com
WEBSITE: www.perturismo.com