Isasca
Isasca: a municipality with ancient origins
Isasca is a small municipality in Piedmont, located in the Varaita Valley. With its 71 inhabitants, it represents one of the smallest municipalities in the entire valley. Its position makes it an important crossroads for the road leading to Saluzzo. The territory of Isasca has numerous hamlets, most of which are now uninhabited. However, its position and the significant difference in altitude within the municipality make Isasca a charming place to visit.
The history of Isasca has its origins in antiquity, when the village was inhabited by Ligurian populations. The first document attesting to traces of the settlement dates back to 1247 when the lord of Venasca granted the nearby Staffarda abbey the right to cut wood on Isaschese soil. With the advent of the House of Savoy in the Marquisate of Saluzzo, Duke Carlo Emanuele I granted Isasca as a fief to the lord of Costigliole Saluzzo, Ludovico Della Chiesa in 1928. In recent years, the municipality has seen a growing depopulation, but today it hosts numerous wood artisans and agricultural producers.
Isasca: monuments and places of interest
Isasca presents numerous votive pillars scattered throughout the entire territory of the municipality, evidence of the strong religious faith of its population. In particular, the main reference point is the Parish Church, dedicated to San Massimo. The first mention of the church dates back to 1386 and was initially only composed of the central nave. Later, the side aisles and the bell tower were added. The vault was covered with a fresco depicting the starry sky, lost over the years. Behind the altar is an excellently crafted fresco depicting the evangelists dating back to 1545. The fresco was covered for many years by a painting that was later lost and was discovered only during renovation work on the building. The facade is composed of material from the now-defunct Brossasco quarry. Its sober and measured style is typical of the religious architecture of the Cuneo valleys.
The beauty of the territory and its vocation
The territory of Isasca, despite being very small, is distinguished by its natural beauty. The position at the bottom of the Varaita Valley offers breathtaking panoramic views, and the altitude difference within it allows hikers and nature lovers to enjoy an ideal environment for their activities. Furthermore, the municipality's population has always been linked to the wine and food production of the territory. Local producers offer high-quality products such as cheeses, cured meats, honey, and wine, which are considered true treasures of Piedmontese culinary tradition.
In summary, Isasca is a small municipality with ancient history and a strong wine and food vocation. The beauty of the territory offers the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking panoramas and practice outdoor activities in an ideal environment. The Parish Church dedicated to San Massimo represents the main reference point of the place, but exploring the numerous hamlets and admiring the votive pillars scattered throughout the territory represents an unforgettable experience. Isasca is a place that deserves to be discovered for its authenticity and natural beauty.
