Salbertrand
Salbertrand: a hidden treasure in the Piedmontese mountains
Hello friends, today I will talk to you about a small Italian commune located in the Piedmont region called Salbertrand. This place, rich in history and nature, is a hidden treasure among the mountains of the Valle di Susa. Let me take you on a journey to discover its wonders.
Geography and Topography
Salbertrand is located in the historically known part of Alta Valle della Dora, a few kilometers from the French border. The municipal territory extends from the Serre la Voute landslide to the area of Pont Ventoux. The characteristics of the landscape are very diverse, from the wide plains of Dora Riparia to the dry and rough ridges of the north slope. On the opposite slope, we find ridges rich in fauna and flora that are part of the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Regional Nature Park. The mountains to the north of the municipality, which belong to Monte Ambin, rise up to the summit of Vallonetto, which exceeds 3200 meters in altitude.
History
The history of Salbertrand begins in 1001 when it is mentioned with the name Sala Bertani. Over the centuries, the commune has been a part of the Dauphiné and the Kingdom of France. In 1713, the lands of the Dauphiné were ceded to the House of Savoy following the signing of the Treaty of Utrecht. In 1689, a battle was fought in Salbertrand between followers of Peter Waldo and the French, which represented an important moment in the so-called "Glorieuse Rentrée". The Church of St. John the Baptist, first mentioned in the year 1057, is another testimony to Salbertrand's millennia-old history.
The Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Regional Nature Park
The Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Regional Nature Park is a natural wonder covering an area of 2150 hectares. The park extends along the slope opposite the valley of Dora Riparia and includes several species of flora and fauna. Among the plant species, we find black pine, white fir, larch, and other varieties. The fauna is equally rich and includes foxes, wolves, deer, roe deer, and many other animals. The park is an ideal place for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
what to do in Salbertrand
Salbertrand is an ideal place for nature and history lovers. Among the activities you can do, there are hiking in the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Regional Nature Park, visiting the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Ponte delle Chenebieres, where the battle between followers of Peter Waldo and the French occurred. Salbertrand is also the ideal starting point for exploring the Valle di Susa and its treasures, including the ruins of Fort Exilles and Fort Fenestrelle.
Local cuisine
The cuisine of Salbertrand is typical of the Valle di Susa, which is characterized by the use of simple and genuine ingredients. Among the dishes to try are bagna cauda, polenta concia with the local cheese, and carbonada, a meat soup with potatoes and carrots. Also, don't miss the local wines, such as Nebbiolo and Dolcetto.
Conclusions
Salbertrand is a small commune that represents a hidden treasure in the Piedmontese mountains. Its millennia-old history, the beauty of the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Regional Nature Park, and the goodness of local cuisine make it an ideal place for a visit to discover the wonders of the Valle di Susa.
