Chianale
Pontechianale: The highest village in Val Varaita
Pontechianale is an Italian municipality located in the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont. With a population of 173 people, it is the highest village in Val Varaita. The area where it is located divides France from Italy and can be reached by car through the Colle dell'Agnello pass. The Varaita Valley is one of the Italian Occitan valleys, so the Occitan language is also spoken in the municipality. It is one of the villages of the "Castellata", together with Casteldelfino and Bellino.
Physical geography
As already mentioned, Pontechianale is located in the highest part of Val Varaita and is crossed by the Varaita river. In the municipality's territory, there is a dam (Frazione Castello), which gives rise to Lake Castello. This lake is used for the production of electricity, as the accumulated water is directed downstream to the hydroelectric power plants of Casteldelfino, Sampeyre, and Frassino. Before the construction of the dam, the Chiesa di Pontechianale fraction was located where the lake currently is. All the houses and the parish church (San Pietro in Vincoli) were rebuilt in another position in the same municipality and called Chiesa fraction.
Fractions
The municipality of Pontechianale comprises several fractions: Maddalena (the capital, seat of the town hall), Villaretto, Castello, Rueites, Forest, Chiesa, Genzana, and Chianale. These are small localities where you can still breathe the local culture and visit historical and natural places.
History
Pontechianale was born as a transhumance village, that is, the practice of migrating livestock from one territory to another based on seasons. It later became an important work center thanks to the presence of a hydroelectric plant and wood exploitation. In 1940, the municipality witnessed the evacuation of the Chiesa fraction for the construction of the dam.
Society
Demographic evolution
In recent years, Pontechianale has seen a decrease in population due to the youth's exodus towards larger cities. The municipality's economy depends mainly on seasonal tourism.
Administration
Pontechianale is part of the Valli Po, Bronda, Infernotto, and Varaita Mountain Community.
Other administrative information
Regarding administration, Pontechianale is a very active municipality in promoting local development through the conservation of traditions and the natural landscape.
Monuments and places of interest
Pontechianale is an ideal municipality for those who love nature and outdoor activities. There are ski lifts for winter skiing both in the village and at higher altitudes, more than 2,000 meters above sea level, reachable by cable car. In the municipality's territory, there is the Alevè Forest, the largest Swiss pine forest in Europe. In the Chianale fraction, the "Museum of Costume and Textile Crafts" has been open since 2009, which hosts a rich collection of traditional costumes. The Chianale fraction is part of the list of "The most beautiful villages in Italy" and is developed on the two banks of Varaita.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Pontechianale is a unique village that makes you feel immersed in the history and culture of the Italian Occitan valleys. This municipality offers an unforgettable experience for both mountain-loving tourists and those who want to learn more about the local culture. It is worth visiting Pontechianale to discover a hidden gem of Piedmont.
