Acceglio
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
The municipality can be reached by car from Cuneo (60 km) along the state road , while the nearest railway station is Busca (40 km). Turin-Caselle airport is 120 km away.
.Introduction
Acceglio is a charming mountain municipality nestled in the upper Maira Valley, in the province of Cuneo, at an altitude of 1,200 metres. Surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Cottian Alps, rising to over 3,000 metres, this alpine village represents one of the gateways to Piedmont's Occitan culture. Its medieval origins, linked to the Marquisate of Saluzzo, and its strategic position along the ancient transalpine routes to France have made it a crossroads of cultures and traditions for centuries. Today Acceglio is an ideal destination for those in search of authenticity, unspoilt nature and a well-preserved historical heritage, with its stone hamlets and lose roofs characterising the landscape.
Description
The territory of Acceglio covers 151.94 km² amidst deep valleys, larch woods and high altitude pastures, furrowed by the Maira torrent and its tributaries. The hamlets of Chialvetta, Chiappera and Saretto retain the typical Occitan mountain architecture, with stone houses with flowered balconies and sculpted fountains. The landscape is dominated by peaks such as Mount Roccerè (2,538 m) and Mount Oronaye (3,100 m), while the crystal-clear waters of the Maira create spectacular waterfalls, including the famous Stroppia Waterfall, one of the highest in Italy.
The first historical evidence dates back to 1028, but it was in the 13th century that Acceglio gained importance under the Marquisate of Saluzzo, with autonomous statutes that guaranteed rights to the inhabitants. In the 16th century it became an outpost of Calvinism, later suffering repression by the Savoy. Among the characters linked to the village were the 'barba', Protestant preachers who spread the Reformation in the valley. The traditional economy, based on cattle breeding and transhumance, can be seen in the numerous 'bàrdo', ancient wooden barns still visible in the hamlets.
Today the economy is based on sustainable tourism and agro-pastoral activities. Alpine pasture cheeses such as 'toma di Elva' and 'sarvat', produced using traditional methods, are renowned. Local craftsmanship boasts wood and soapstone work, while the typical cuisine offers dishes such as 'supa barbetta' (bread and cheese soup) and 'ravioles', pasta stuffed with potatoes and herbs.
Occitan culture lives on in the traditional festivals: from the 'Fèsta dël Bous' (cattle fair in October) to the procession of Santa Maria Assunta (15 August), accompanied by patouà songs. The hamlets preserve votive frescoes and medieval chapels, such as that of San Sebastiano in Chialvetta, while the Museum of the Resistance recalls the valley's role in the partisan struggle.
For hikers, Acceglio is a paradise: the Occitan Path links the hamlets, while the trek to the Stroppia Refuge (2,075 m) offers breathtaking views. In winter, the Chiappera cross-country skiing trails and snowshoeing itineraries attract snow lovers. A curiosity is the legend of the 'Sarvanot', a forest spirit who protects shepherds.
Information
Area: 151.53 km²
Altitude: 1220m
Maximum elevation: 3,166m -Mount Sautron
Number of inhabitants: 164 as of 31.12.24
Name in dialect: Assèj in Occitan
Inhabitants' name:Accegliesi
Patron Saint: Santa Maria Assunta (15 August)
Border towns: Argentera, Bellino, Canosio, Larche, Meyronnes, Prazzo, Saint-Paul
Website: www.comune.acceglio.cn.it
Points of interest
Itineraries
Collections
- Municipalities in the Maira Valley - map
- municipalities in the Province of Cuneo - map
- municipalities in Piedmont - map