Reports Points of interest I have been there Magazine Webcam

Noasca

Profile image

Edited by:

Last Visit: 27/01/2025
municipalities
1000
Europe
Italy
Piedmont
Metropolitan City of Turin
Parco del Gran Paradiso
Valle dell'Orco

Access

To reach Noasca, located in the Orco Valley in western Piedmont, several transport options can be considered. The nearest airport is Turin-Caselle 'Sandro Pertini' Airport, which is about 60 kilometres from the municipality. From there, it is possible to continue by car or public transport.
By car, from Turin, drive along Provincial Road 460 SP460 of Valle Orco, passing through places such as Rivarolo Canavese and Cuorgnè, until you reach Noasca. This provincial road is well maintained and offers direct access to the municipality.
As for public transport, from the Turin Porta Susa railway station you can take the SFM1 train to Rivarolo Canavese. From Rivarolo, continue by bus line 137 operated by GTT, which connects Pont Canavese to Ceresole Reale, with intermediate stops in Noasca. It is important to check the updated timetables, as journeys may be infrequent.
Alternatively, from Turin's Porta Nuova railway station, you can take a line 3131 bus to Pont Canavese and then change to line 137 to reach Noasca. Again, it is advisable to check public transport timetables for accurate travel planning.
Although Noasca is accessible by public transport, the use of a private car may be more convenient, especially for those wishing to explore the surrounding areas with more flexibility.

Introduction

Noasca is a small municipality located in the Orco Valley, in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park, about 75 km northwest of Turin. This village, with a population of just 99, is set in a mountainous area characterised by an extraordinary variety of nature and landscape, making it a perfect destination for nature and tranquillity lovers. The waterfall of the Noaschetta stream and the surrounding mountains offer a breathtaking panorama, framing the village in a unique setting.

Description

The municipality covers a wide altimetrical range, from 841 metres to the 4,026 metres of the Roc del Gran Paradiso, the highest peak in the province of Turin. This peculiarity makes Noasca one of the Italian municipalities with the greatest altitude range, a characteristic that underlines its exceptional landscape value and the wealth of natural habitats.
Noasca's history dates back to the Middle Ages, when the territory belonged to the Valperga county. The village has known a past of agriculture, livestock breeding and trade, activities that are intertwined with the local culture. Despite the hardships of the time, the people of Noas were known for their physical robustness and dedication to work. In the 17th and 18th centuries, lead, silver and iron mines represented an important economic resource, but were later abandoned. During the Second World War, Noasca was the scene of clashes between partisans and Nazi-Fascist troops, leaving an important trace in the local historical memory.
Today, Noasca's economy is mainly based on nature tourism, thanks to its location in the Gran Paradiso Park, and on local crafts. The village's traditions survive through events such as the patronal feast of Santa Maria Assunta, celebrated on 15 August with an evocative procession to the parish church that dominates the village. The culture of the place is also manifested through handicrafts and mountain gastronomy, which attract visitors to discover the authentic flavours of the Piedmontese Alps.In terms of tourism, Noasca is a paradise for hikers and mountain lovers. The town is the starting point for numerous trails, including the 19th-century mule tracks built by Victor Emmanuel II for ibex hunting. Among the most interesting sights is the spectacular 32-metre-high Noaschetta torrent waterfall, a destination for photographers and naturalists. There is no shortage of more challenging routes leading towards the peaks of the Gran Paradiso massif, alpine refuges and bivouacs, such as the Rifugio Noaschetta, designed to welcome hikers and nature lovers.
Noasca represents a perfect combination of unspoilt nature, historical tradition and opportunities for outdoor activities, confirming it as a small jewel of the Piedmontese Alps.


Information

Area:78.05km²
Altitude:1,065m
Maximum elevation: 4,026m - The Roc
Number of inhabitants: 106 as of 31.03.24
Name in dialect: Noasca in Piedmontese, Novaska in Franco-Provençal
Inhabitants' name: Noaschini
Patron saint: Santa Maria Assunta, celebrated on 15 August
Bordering municipalities: Ceresole Reale, Chialamberto, Cogne, Groscavallo, Locana, Valsavarenche
Website: www.comune.noasca.to.it

Points of interest

Itineraries

Collections