Valdieri

Access

Valdieri can be reached by car via the Valle Gesso provincial road that connects the Cuneo plain with the mountain areas of the park. The town is about 27 km from Cuneo. Train connections arrive as far as Borgo San Dalmazzo, from where it is then possible to continue by bus. The nearest airport is Cuneo-Levaldigi; the hamlets are connected by a local road network and integrated extra-urban public transport services, particularly during the tourist season.

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Introduction

The municipality of Valdieri, located in the heart of the Gesso Valley in the province of Cuneo, lies at the foot of the imposing limestone cliffs of Rocca San Giovanni-Saben, surrounded by the striking scenery of the Maritime Alps. The municipal territory, mainly mountainous in nature and among the largest in the province, includes numerous hamlets including Andonno, Sant'Anna, Desertetto, San Lorenzo and Terme. The area is part of the Protected Areas of the Maritime Alps, the largest natural park in Piedmont, which preserves a rich botanical and faunal heritage, including the captivating Valderia botanical garden and the Rocca San Giovanni-Saben Nature Reserve, habitat for the Phoenician juniper - a typical Mediterranean plant at its northern limit.

Description

The history of Valdieri has its roots in prehistoric times, as evidenced by the Bronze Age necropolis finds. The place name, according to the most accredited hypothesis, derives from the Celtic-Germanic word 'wald' meaning forest. Over the centuries, the town has acquired particular importance with the creation of the Royal Hunting Reserve desired by the Savoy family, the presence of the Royal Baths and elegant residences including the Bela Rosin house and the Valasco refuge, remnants of the royal passage and signs of the strategic and scenic importance of this area. The thermal waters of Valdieri, known since the Middle Ages for their therapeutic properties, are still renowned and frequented in the summer.
Economically, Valdieri has maintained its alpine character with activities related to mountain agriculture, sheep farming, crafts and tourism. For decades, the presence of the park and thermal springs has favoured nature and hiking tourism, with numerous opportunities for trekking, mountain biking, botanical and wildlife observation immersed in the spectacular landscapes of the Maritime Alps. Famous are the trails that start from the village and lead to the most sought-after peaks, while the hamlet of Sant'Anna hosts the Rye Ecomuseum, a centre of local culture. The handicrafts, patronal festivals and traditions of the Valdierese people are highlighted during festivals and celebrations that celebrate the cultural vitality of the village.

Information

Area: 153.32 km²
Altitude: 774m
Maximum elevation: 2,938m - Testa del Malinvern
Number of inhabitants: 921 (as of 31.01.2024)
Name in dialect: Vaudiè, Vodiar in Piedmontese; Vudìer in Occitan
Name of inhabitants: valdieresi
Patron Saint: San Martino, celebrated on 11 November
Bordering municipalities: Acceglio, Aisone, Argentera, Borgo San Dalmazzo, Castelmagno, Demonte, Entracque, Gaiola, Pietraporzio, Roaschia, Roccavione, Sambuco, Vinadio
Website: www.comune.valdieri.cn.it