Colleretto Castelnuovo
A small treasure in Valle Sacra
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a small town in Valle Sacra, in Piedmont: Colleretto Castelnuovo, also known as Coréj in Piedmontese. This village has only 316 inhabitants, but it's a real treasure to discover if you love nature, art and history.
Physical geography
Colleretto Castelnuovo is located about 8 km north of Castellamonte, in a mountainous area that reaches up to 2,231 meters with the Punta di Santa Elisabetta. The view from the Sanctuary of Santa Elisabetta, located on top of the hill overlooking the village, is breathtaking and offers a 360-degree panorama.
Monuments and places of interest
If you come to visit Colleretto Castelnuovo, you can't miss its main monuments. The parish church, dedicated to Saint Anthony Abbot, is a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture and is enriched inside by a Baroque altar recovered from another church. The side chapels are adorned with paintings by the famous artist Visetti di Montanaro. The Castle, dating back to the 13th century, has been destroyed and damaged several times by war and conflicts between noble families in the area. Today, only a medieval tower remains, but it's still an attractive site for lovers of the territory's history. The Sanctuary of Santa Elisabetta was built at the end of the 18th century next to another older Sanctuary. Inside, it preserves a beautiful altarpiece by Defendente Peraracino that represents the Visitation of Mary to Santa Elisabetta. Finally, if you love nature and outdoor sports, you can't miss a visit to Pian del Lupo: a green area equipped for picnics, trekking and cycling, which was also the King of the Mountain in a stage of the 2019 Giro d'Italia.
Society
Like many mountain villages, Colleretto Castelnuovo has experienced strong emigration in recent years. In one hundred years, the resident population has been reduced by 50%, but it's still a welcoming village full of life thanks to the local associations that organize festivals, events and activities for all tastes.
Administration
Colleretto Castelnuovo is part of the Unione Montana Valle Sacra and has had several administrations throughout its history. However, the village still maintains a strong connection with its traditions and its history.
Gallery of images
I don't want to leave you without showing you some beautiful pictures of this small treasure of Valle Sacra. You can admire the medieval tower of the Castle, the parish church of Saint Anthony Abbot, the Sanctuary of Santa Elisabetta and the unspoiled nature of Pian del Lupo.
Conclusions
In conclusion, if you're looking for a destination for a day trip or a weekend of relaxation, Colleretto Castelnuovo is a great choice to discover the beauty of Valle Sacra in Piedmont. You won't regret it!
