Vinadio
Vinadio: a tourist and thermal municipality in the Valle Stura di Demonte
Located in the province of Cuneo in Piedmont, Vinadio is a municipality characterized by its scenic beauty. Located in the Valle Stura di Demonte, in the heart of the Maritime Alps, it offers many tourist attractions. Among the most famous locations, we find the Baths of Vinadio, located at an altitude of 1305 meters, the Sanctuary of Sant'Anna (Vinadio) and the Fort Albertino.
Physical geography
Vinadio is an Occitan municipality of Piedmont and is one of the largest in the region, second after Alessandria. The municipal territory reaches its maximum elevation at the summit of the Corborant peak, which is 3010 meters high. Until 1947, the municipal territory also included the high val di Ciastiglione, which now belongs to France.
History
Vinadio has a long history dating back to the Kingdom of Sardinia. Over the years, it has been an important transit center between Italy and France. During World War II, Fort Albertino was the target of several Anglo-American bombings and was restored in the 2000s. Now, the fort is open to tourist visits and is an important venue for cultural events.
Administration and society
The municipality of Vinadio is part of the Valle Stura Mountain Community; based on the community's history and culture, the municipality seeks to promote Occitan culture in the region. The population has decreased in recent years, from 810 inhabitants in 1951 to 603 in 2019. However, tourism and local industry, such as the Fonti di Vinadio S.p.A. company which produces Acqua Sant'Anna, are contributing to the municipality's economy.
Sports
In 2001, Vinadio was chosen as the finish line for the eighteenth stage of the Giro d'Italia, but the events leading up to the race led the cyclists to not participate. However, fifteen years later, the village hosted again a stage of the Giro d'Italia, which saw the victory of Estonian Rein Taaramäe and the conquest of the pink jersey by Vincenzo Nibali.
Monuments and places of interest
The municipality of Vinadio is rich in monuments and places of tourist interest. The Sanctuary of Sant'Anna (Vinadio) is the highest Christian place of worship in Europe, with its 2035 meters of altitude. Fort Albertino is one of the most significant fortifications in military architecture throughout the Alpine arch. Its reconstruction was completed in 2000, and now it is open to tourist visits.
Communications and economy
Vinadio is reachable from the SS 21 della Maddalena via the Colle della Maddalena, the state border with France. The Fonti di Vinadio S.p.A. company produces Acqua Sant'Anna, one of the most famous Italian mineral waters, in the Besmorello locality. In the Goletta locality, there is a hydroelectric power station fueled by the Rio Freddo dam.
In summary, Vinadio is a municipality located in the Valle Stura di Demonte, characterized by its scenic beauty and its history, culture, and Occitan traditions. It represents an ideal destination for those who love nature, tourism, and history.
