Valgrana
Welcome to Valgrana!
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Valgrana, a small Piedmontese municipality located in the Grana Valley, in the province of Cuneo. With its 778 inhabitants, Valgrana is a quiet and tranquil place, ideal for those seeking the peace and tranquility of the mountains.
Let's discover the geography of Valgrana
The village is located within the Grana Valley, crossed by the Grana-Mellea river, and is located at 642 meters above sea level. The highest point is Mount Tamone, which reaches 1,395 meters. The beauty of the surrounding natural landscapes is one of the main treasures of Valgrana.
The history of Valgrana
The name Valgrana derives from its pre-Roman origins, with the word "crana" meaning crevice, and the word "valle" for its geographical location. One of the first settlements was of pre-Roman origin, with renowned shepherds for the production of spicy cheese. The village has undergone several conquests over the centuries, from Eustachio, brother of Federico II of Saluzzo, to the Saluzzo of Valgrana dynasty. In 1744 Valgrana was invaded by Franco-Spanish troops. During the 19th century, the village experienced a difficult period due to the cholera epidemic, which caused more than a hundred deaths. In 1846 the old cemetery was demolished together with the small chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony.
The monuments and places of interest in Valgrana
Valgrana boasts numerous buildings of historical and cultural interest. Among the religious architecture, you can admire the Church of San Matteo, the Church of San Martino, the Confraternity of St. Joseph, the Chapel of Santa Maria della Valle, the Chapel of San Bernardo (with paintings from 1473 by Pietro da Saluzzo), the Chapel of San Giorgio and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows. Among the civil buildings, the Bridge over the Grana River and the Monuments to the Resistance, in Piazza Duccio Galimberti, bear witness to a past of great importance for the village.
The society of Valgrana
Valgrana has seen a demographic evolution in recent years, with a decrease in population. Traditions and folklore are still very present in the village, with the famous Pera Madernassa Festival, which recalls the cultivation of this delicious variety of pear. On the municipal territory, there are several associations, such as the Pro Loco, the Italian Blood Volunteers Association - Valgrana Section, and the Valgranesi degli Instabili Theater Company.
Culture in Valgrana
In the village, there is a kindergarten to offer quality education to children in the area. For nature lovers and outdoor activities, the surroundings of Valgrana offer many possibilities, such as mountain walks, horseback riding, and rafting along the Grana-Mellea river.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Valgrana is a small village with a big heart, where history, the beauty of the landscapes, and traditions are still well-present. If you want to discover a corner of authentic Piedmont, Valgrana is a place that I really recommend you visit.
