Macra
San Damiano Macra: a small community
San Damiano Macra is a municipality located in the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont. With a population of around 415 inhabitants, it represents a small but multifaceted reality.
Physical geography
One of the main characteristics of the territory of San Damiano Macra is the lake, a small artificial basin located south of the town center, at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level. Thanks to the hydroelectric dam that blocks the Maira river, an average of 6.3 cubic meters per second are diverted and channelled through forced pipelines to the Dronero power plant.
Climate
As for the climate, San Damiano Macra enjoys mild summers and cold winters, typical of the mountainous area in which it is located. The average maximum temperatures are around 20°C between June and September, while winter lows can reach -3°C.
History
San Damiano Macra is located in the lower part of the Maira Valley, and includes the territory of the former municipalities of Pagliero, Lottulo, and Paglieres. Its existence dates back to 1028, when the abbey of Caramagna Piemonte was founded.
Like many towns in the valley, San Damiano was part of the possessions of the Marquises of Saluzzo in the 12th century, before passing to the Savoy House. In the 17th century, a Capuchin fathers' convent was built to stem the Calvinist heresy that was spreading in the area.
Due to civil strife resulting from the Savoy's reprisals against the heretics and the 1716 plague, the populations of San Damiano and Pagliero merged into a single municipality.
Monuments and places of interest
Despite the war having destroyed much of the town's artistic heritage, some examples of the past are still visible. For example, some mullioned windows and gable facades of old buildings, as well as the octagonal stone fountain plaque bearing the coat of arms of the Berardi family from 1507.
The Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, whose original construction dates back to the 15th century, features a portal carved by the Zabreri brothers.
Administration
San Damiano Macra has a complex administrative history, with a series of administrations that have succeeded over time. The municipality was part of the mountain community of Valli Grana and Maira.
Honors
San Damiano Macra is among the cities decorated for Military Valour for the Liberation War, awarded the War Cross of Military Valour for the sacrifices of its populations and its activity in the partisan struggle during World War II. In 2022, the town established a twinning with the German city of Konigswinter.
Sports
San Damiano Macra offers the opportunity to practice various sports activities. For example, the San Damiano Amateur Sports Association organizes football tournaments, while the communal bocciofila is a meeting place for enthusiasts of this sport.
Moreover, the proximity of the mountains offers numerous opportunities for hiking, trekking, and climbing, as well as winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
In summary, San Damiano Macra is a small reality of great historical and natural value, where tradition, art, and sports blend into a fun and stimulating mix.
