San Damiano Macra
San Damiano Macra: a gem of the province
San Damiano Macra is a municipality located in the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont. With a population of 415 inhabitants, the town is characterized by a dense network of streams, creeks, and pristine trails, making it a real gem of the province. In this article, we will discover some of its most interesting aspects.
Physical geography
San Damiano Macra is characterized by Lake San Damiano, a small artificial basin located south of the town center, at about 700 meters above sea level. The lake was created by the damming of the Maira stream, thanks to a small hydroelectric dam. On average, about 6.3 cubic meters per second of water from the stream are diverted and channeled through forced pipes to the Dronero power plant. The useful volume of this basin is 0.29 million cubic meters.
History
San Damiano is located in the lower part of the Maira Valley and includes the territory of the former municipalities of Pagliero, Lottulo, and Paglieres. The first traces of its existence date back to the founding of the abbey of Caramagna Piemonte, dating back to 1028. Like most of the villages in the valley, San Damiano was part of the possessions of the Marquis of Saluzzo in the 12th century, and later of Casa Savoia. In the 17th century, to try to stem the Calvinist heresy that was rampant in the valley, a Capuchin monastery was built, as was the case in Acceglio and Dronero. Due to the civil strife, resulting from the reprisals carried out by the Savoy (Charles Emmanuel I) against the heretics and because of the plague of 1716, the decimated populations of San Damiano and Pagliero merged into a single municipality.
Monuments and places of interest
Although the passage of history has left few traces of the artistic past of this village, there are still some bifores and veiled facades of some old palaces. In particular, it is possible to observe the coat of arms of the Berardi family of 1507, on an octagonal plaque of a stone fountain. The Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano, rebuilt throughout the centuries, presents a portal sculpted by the Zabreri brothers, which is part of the original construction dating back to the fifteenth century.
Administration
San Damiano Macra was part of the Valli Grana and Maira mountain community. Below is a table relating to the administrations that have succeeded in this municipality.
Honors
San Damiano Macra is among the Cities decorated for Military Valor for the War of Liberation, awarded the War Cross of Military Valor for the sacrifices of its populations and for its activity in the partisan struggle during the Second World War.
Sport
San Damiano Macra boasts a wide range of sports and recreational activities. Among the main ones, we find soccer, table tennis, and athletics. In addition, thanks to the presence of a dense network of trails and natural paths, the town is perfectly suited for hiking and trekking.
Twinning
San Damiano Macra has twinned with the French municipality of Saint-Damien-de-Bellecombe since September 30, 2022.
In conclusion, San Damiano Macra is a small gem of the province of Cuneo, which has much to offer both from a landscape and historical point of view. Those who love nature and tranquility will find in this town an excellent destination to spend a regenerating and relaxing weekend.
