Bobbio Pellice

Access

To reach Bobbio Pellice, one normally starts from Pinerolo, via the Val Pellice provincial road that leads to Torre Pellice and then up the valley. Bus services (lines 279 and 284) connect Torre Pellice to Bobbio Pellice with regular frequency, while the nearest railway station is in Pinerolo. The reference airport is Turin-Caselle, about 80 km away, accessible by car or combined public transport. Given the mountainous nature of the area and the limited availability of parking, the use of public transport is recommended, especially during peak periods.

Introduction

Bobbio Pellice is located at the end of the Pellice Valley, in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont, and is the municipality with the largest surface area in the entire valley: about 94 km². The territory is extremely varied, with a band of chestnut groves and meadows bordered by ancient dry stone walls, which gradually transform into vast pastures and the imposing mountains that dominate the alpine scene, offering habitats for a rich wildlife including ibex, chamois, deer, birds of prey and aquatic species.

Description

The history of Bobbio Pellice is closely linked to the presence of the Waldensian community: the town was the scene of bloody episodes during the religious wars between the 16th and 17th centuries, such as the Pasque Piemontesi of 1655, when the Savoy troops put the valley to fire and sword, forcing the inhabitants to flee or abjure under threat of death. Bobbio Pellice thus became a symbolic place of Waldensian resistance. In the 20th century, the Sibaud Monument was erected, where in 1689 a small army of Waldensians, having returned from Swiss exile, swore allegiance during the famous Glorious Repatriation. Among the historical figures is Bartolomeo Peyrot, an alpine guide originally from the village, recognised for being the first Italian to reach the summit of Monviso.
The local economy has historically been based on sheep farming, cross-border trade with the French Queyras and, in more recent times, livestock breeding and traditional crafts; today, in addition to agriculture, hiking tourism and services have developed. Bobbio Pellice is renowned for its hiking value: from the centre of the town, trails branch off towards the Conca del Pra, the Barbara Lowrie, Willy Jervis and Battaglione Alpini Monte Granero mountain refuges, popular destinations for mountain enthusiasts. These routes cross the alpine environment among rocks, streams and breathtaking views, and are enriched by local legends and traditions.
From a cultural point of view, the town keeps alive festivals and traditions linked to Waldensian identity and ancient rural and pastoral practices, flanked by events such as the Fìra d'la Calà and the Fira d'la Pouià, important for local social life. In the villages and hamlets of the area, expressions of the Occitan and Piedmontese language survive, recalling ancient colonisations and migrations.

Information

Area: 94.08 square kilometres
Altitude: 732m
Maximum elevation:
Number of inhabitants: 571
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Bordering Municipalities:Abriès, Crissolo, Prali, Ristolas, Villar Pellice
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