Elva
Welcome to Elva: a small Piedmontese town
Elva, also known as Elvo in the Occitan language, is a small town in the province of Cuneo in Piedmont, with a population of only 83 residents. Despite its small size, Elva is rich in history and culture, and offers beautiful natural landscapes. In this text, I will guide you on a discovery of this charming Italian village.
Physical geography: a territory nestled in the mountains
The territory of Elva extends from the Maira valleys to the summit of Mount Pelvo d'Elva, which rises to 3,064 meters above sea level. The landscape is characterized by mountains and surrounding nature, offering a breathtaking spectacle to those who pass through it. One of the must-visit destinations for panoramic views is the San Giovanni hill, known as Fremo Cuncunà.
History: a town recipient of "National Villages Plan" funds
Elva has been selected for the "National Villages Plan", an initiative of the Ministry of Culture dedicated to the cultural, social and economic regeneration of Italian historic centers. The town will receive approximately 20 million euros to finance projects and initiatives that enhance its history and cultural heritage. Among the many Italian villages selected, Elva stood out for the quality of the proposal presented by the Piedmont Region.
Culture: Hans Clemer and the caviè
Elva is known for being the birthplace of Hans Clemer, a famous Flemish painter of the 15th and 16th centuries known as the master of Elva. The parish church of the village preserves some of his frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Jesus. In addition, Elva was also known as the land of "caviè": until the middle of the last century, many inhabitants of the town collected women's hair, sold in France and throughout Europe for the production of wigs.
Monuments and places of interest
In Elva, you can find the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a late-Romanesque style building that preserves Clemer's precious frescoes. Moreover, the Elva valley road is a nature trail that allows you to discover the beauty of the mountains and surrounding forests.
Society: demographic evolution
Over the years, Elva has undergone a significant demographic decline: from the 1,200 inhabitants at the beginning of the 20th century, it has passed to the 83 of today. Despite the numerical downsizing, Elva's inhabitants maintain a strong bond with their territory and are committed to enriching community life with cultural and social initiatives.
Administration: past administrations and mountain communities
From an administrative point of view, Elva has had several administrations over the years and has been part of the Valli Grana and Maira Mountain Community.
Notes
Other projects
To deepen your knowledge of Elva, you can consult the various links in the external sources. We hope that this brief summary has given you an idea of the beauty of this Piedmontese town, to discover and appreciate.
