In Valle Varaita, in the middle of the beautiful woods and mountain villages, there is also the characteristic Sanctuary of Valmala, one of the main dioceses of Saluzzo and among the best known in the whole Piemonte. The sanctuary is dedicated to Maria Madre della Misericordia (Mary Mother of mercy): The Sanctuary complex consists of a large church facing the village, with a bell tower and a large porch. The Sanctuary was built in 1851 and contains both the original pylon and the chapel that followed it, built in 1840. Noteworthy is the large fresco of the apse, the work of an unknown artist, portraying an expressive scene of the apparition. From the sanctuary, you can take a nice walk on a comfortable dirt road to Monte Cornet, from where you can admire a beautiful view of Monviso.
Road access: From Turin’s ring road, near the Orbassano exit, take the expressway to Pinerolo. In Pinerolo, take the state road to Saluzzo, following it to Verzuolo, where you turn right to the Valle Varaita. Continue to Valmala where you can park near the sanctuary.
Route: The journey starts near the parking lot of the sanctuary of Valmala, following the asphalt road towards the Ciabra hill, where the asphalt ends and the path becomes a dirt road. After about 100 m, leave the dirt road and turn right, where a nice path begins and goes up the ridge. Follow it all the way to the end, up to the top of the Cornet, big big man and cross. If you want to lengthen the itinerary, you can continue up to the Birrone mountain following the easy ridge.
