Val Pellice – Piedmont: Waldensian memory, alpine horizons and nature that invites you to walk.
Val Pellice, located in south-western Piedmont, is a valley with strong historical and cultural roots, closely linked to the Waldensian presence. Crossed by the Pellice stream and framed by the Cottian Alps, it preserves open landscapes, historic paths and a mountain life that alternates silence and collective celebrations. It is a place of identity, nature and spirituality. 🏔️ High peaks and open views:
The head of the valley is dominated by peaks such as Monte Granero, Monte Meidassa and Colle della Croce, accessible through hiking trails of varying difficulty. The views range as far as Monviso, with vast high-altitude pastures and alpine lakes dotting the horizon.
👉 Tip: Start from Villanova to climb to the Jervis Refuge, immersed in a green basin between larches and streams, the starting point for many excursions. 🏘️ Old towns and mountain villages:
The villages of the valley – including Bobbio Pellice, Torre Pellice, Rorà and Luserna San Giovanni – preserve architectural elements linked to Alpine culture and the Waldensian faith. Churches, temples and archives tell of a past of resistance and spirituality.
👉 Tip: In Torre Pellice visit the Waldensian Historical Museum, custodian of unique documents and testimonies on the history of the Alpine Protestant communities. 🌲 Nature and itineraries through woods and valleys:
The chestnut and beech woods give way, as they rise in altitude, to alpine meadows and scree. The valley is full of well-marked trails, ideal for day hikes or multi-day treks. The contact with nature is authentic and profound.
👉 Tip: Take the Sentiero dei Valloni, which connects the upper villages and offers panoramic views of the entire valley floor. ✝️ Spirituality and places of memory:
Val Pellice is the heart of the Waldensian world, guardian of a faith that has marked the landscape and the life of its communities. Waldensian temples, schools and houses bear witness to centuries of religious autonomy and civil commitment. Even today, many cultural and religious events are held in the valley.
👉 Tip: Take part in a guided tour of the Waldensian Places of Memory, between Torre Pellice and the historical archives of Luserna. 🥔 Cuisine of land and local ingredients:
The cuisine is simple and robust in the mountains: mountain potatoes, fresh and seasoned tome cheese, bread baked in community ovens, rustic soups and desserts made with dried fruit. Restaurants and farmhouses offer seasonal menus linked to the territory.
👉 Tip: Try fricandò, a traditional dish made with potatoes and melted cheese, at an inn in Bobbio or Villar Pellice.
Val Pellice is a territory where the mountains meet history: each path brings with it stories of freedom, fatigue and community.