Valprato Soana

Access

Access to Valprato Soana is mainly via the Provincial Road from the valley, which can be travelled by car. Given the small population and the alpine nature of the area, public transport is limited; the nearest railway stations are located in the valley bottom (Pont Canavese), from which there are limited bus services. The favourable location does, however, offer road connections with Valle d'Aosta via the Colle Arietta in summer, while the nearest airport is Turin Caselle.

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Introduction

Valprato Soana is a small alpine municipality located in the upper Soana Valley, in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont. The territory lies along the hydrographic right of the Soana stream of the same name, surrounded by a frame of reliefs and valleys that rise towards Campiglia Soana and Piamprato. Its geographic position, on the border between Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, makes it an isolated and evocative place, immersed in uncontaminated landscapes and part of the Gran Paradiso National Park, with altitudes ranging from 1,063 to 3,308 metres. The municipality is one of the least densely populated in the province, with a density of less than 2 inhabitants/km², reflecting the mountain depopulation that occurred during the 20th century.

Description

Throughout the centuries, local history has been intertwined with the traditions of the Soana Valley and with the spirituality linked to the cult of Saint Besso, who, according to legend, was martyred in the surrounding mountains, in the locality where the famous sanctuary now stands at 2,047 m above sea level. Signs of Roman presence have emerged from recent finds, and in medieval times the village was affected by revolts and the passage of armies, particularly French. The territory is dotted with small hamlets, including Campiglia Soana, Piamprato, Chiapetto and Pianetto; some are home to buildings of historical value, such as the church of San Grato in Piamprato (erected in the 18th century) and the parish church of Pianetto, with 17th-century frescoes depicting the patron saint and scenes from the Visitation.
Valprato Soana was the scene of intense mining activity until the first half of the 20th century, mainly for the extraction of lead from the 'La Reala' mine, along with copper, chalcopyrite and other minerals. For centuries, these resources fuelled a local micro-economy based on handicrafts, agriculture and sheep farming. Today, the presence of facilities such as the Piamprato ski resort and mountain refuges favours a hiking tourism that is attentive to environmental peculiarities, thanks also to its proximity to the Gran Paradiso National Park and the variety of scenic trails and nature itineraries.
The culture and traditions of Valprato Soana revolve around patronal festivals, processions and heartfelt religious rites, such as the celebration of Saint Besso, which is still lively participation of the inhabitants of the neighbouring communities. Evidence of ancient mountain trades and a community life based on solidarity is frequent in the area, as can be seen in the tales of the 'ruga', itinerant tinkers, and local architectural works, mainly in stone and slate.

Information

Area: 71.85 km²
Altitude: 1,113m
Maximum elevation: 3.308m - Cima Arietta
Number of inhabitants: 87 (2025)
Name in dialect: Valprà
Name in dialect: Valpratesi
Patron Saint: San Besso (10 August)
Neighbouring municipalities: Champorcher, Cogne, Ronco Canavese, Traversella, Vico CanaveseWebsite: comune.valpratosoana.to.it