Acceglio
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
Acceglio can be reached mainly from the city of Cuneo, from which it is about 55 km away, via the Valle Maira Provincial Road . The main motorway connections are provided by the (Turin-Savona) and the (Asti-Cuneo), with a recommended exit at Dronero. The nearest railway station is in Cuneo, from where buses run throughout the valley to the terminus in Acceglio. The nearest airports are Cuneo-Levaldigi and, at a greater distance, Turin Caselle. The local road network runs along valley floor and mountain roads, subject to variable weather and possible temporary closures in winter.
Introduction
Acceglio is located at the upper end of the Maira Valley in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont, nestled in a setting dominated by the Cottian Alps. It is a mountain municipality with a history of borders and centuries-old passages, characterised by a landscape and cultural heritage that makes it a paradigmatic destination for those wishing to discover the authenticity of Piedmont's high valleys. The main settlement lies at an altitude of 1,220 metres, with numerous hamlets scattered among woods, pastures and side valleys: this network of villages, still partly inhabited today, contributes to Acceglio's rural and Alpine charm. The position and structure of the settlement reflect the ancient defensive and pastoral needs typical of the Cuneo Alps, while the link with the nearby French border has given rise to cross-border traditions and a material culture rich in contamination.
Description
The municipality's vast and sparsely populated territory preserves natural environments of rare integrity: valleys such as Unerzio, Maurin and Saretto are criss-crossed by paths that connect to alpine lakes (including Lake Visaisa and Lake Vallonasso di Stroppia) and wide high-altitude meadows. Among the highest peaks dominating the area is Mount Sautron (3,166 m), while the Brec de Chambeyron and surrounding peaks mark the watershed with France. The area is rich in spring water and surrounded by large coniferous forests, alpine pastures and meadows, which provide habitats for significant alpine fauna (marmots, chamois, birds of prey). From a historical point of view, Acceglio is first mentioned in 1028, under the Marquisate of Saluzzo; in the 13th century it obtained forms of local autonomy associated with other communities in the Maira Valley. The local architecture preserves medieval elements, characterised by stone slate roofs and ancient portals; among the most valuable buildings are the church of the Confraternity of the Annunziata and 'La Misoun d'en Bot', an ethnographic museum in the Chialvetta hamlet.
The economy traditionally revolved around livestock farming, transhumance and small-scale mountain agriculture, with the production of alpine cheeses, potatoes and rustic cereals, while a few marble quarries that are still active bear witness to a historical mining vocation. Tourism, especially hiking and summer tourism, is now one of the main sources of local income: Acceglio is the gateway to alpine traverses, high altitude refuges, climbing walls, snowshoeing and cross-border crossings. Numerous events punctuate the calendar: the October fair recalls the great tradition of livestock, while the patronal festivals and festivals dedicated to Occitan recipes (such as the 'raviole' and the 'd cioccolatè cake) reinforce the sense of community belonging. Occitan and Piedmontese dialect still characterises daily life and craft production, including woodworking.
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 of Piedmont - map