Usseglio
Usseglio: a charming Alpine village
Usseglio is an Italian municipality located in the Viù Valley, amidst the mountains of the Lanzo Valleys. With a population of 209, the village offers a typical Alpine setting, surrounded by majestic mountains such as Rocciamelone, Punta Lunella, and Croce Rossa.
Physical geography: a distinctive territory
The town of Usseglio is situated on a plateau at the end of the Viù Valley. It borders with the French territory to the west and the Susa Valley to the south. The only way to reach Usseglio is by taking the SP32 road to Germagnano.
The landscape of Usseglio is typical of the Alpine region. Among the mountains, one can encounter Monte Lera, Croce Rossa, Punta Lunella, and Rocciamelone, which can be climbed. All these vantage points offer a stunning view of the surroundings and the neighboring villages.
The plateau is surrounded by the Stura di Viù, a branch of the Stura di Lanzo river, known for its torrential character, which can cause flooding, taking along two important tributaries: Arnas and Venaus, which can only be seen in full flow during the snowmelt season.
The village also offers the opportunity to see several lakes, both natural and artificial. The Lake of Malciaussia is the largest, located near the dam that feeds the Usseglio-Crot hydroelectric plant. The dam caused the flooding of the Malciaussia hamlet, giving its name to the lake. Other lakes to see include Lake of Rossa, one of the highest lakes in Italy, Lake of Torre, and the small Lake Nero.
Climate and history
The climate of Usseglio is generally cool, with temperatures usually below zero in winter and quite mild in summer. The village also benefits from a particular microclimate that exposes it to the sun throughout the year.
The history of Usseglio dates back to the Celtic period, and the village was probably called Uxeilos, meaning "high place". Two places of worship have been found in the area, one dedicated to Hercules and the other to Jupiter, with inscriptions engraved on the stones.
During the Middle Ages, the territory of Usseglio passed through several feudal lordships but eventually returned to the hands of the Savoia family in 1418. Among the most famous historical personalities emerging from Usseglio are Count Luigi Cibrario, senator of the Kingdom of Italy and historian of the House of Savoy, and the painter Cesare Ferro Milone.
Conclusions
In summary, Usseglio is a charming Alpine village that offers its guests the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the mountainous landscape. With its historical reconstruction, Usseglio offers an immersion in its tradition and intrinsic history, making it an ideal place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. When you are in Piedmont, make sure to spend a few days in the valley that hosts this stunning Alpine village!
