Usseglio
Edited by:
Maurizio Bergamini
Access
The municipality can be reached from Turin by taking the Valli di Lanzo provincial road ( and ), going up the Val di Viù to its end. The nearest airport is Turin-Caselle, about 40 km away, while the most accessible railway station is Cirié, connected to the capital by GTT lines. From Cirié and Lanzo Torinese, the connection continues by road with regular buses that also serve Usseglio. The local road network follows the valley floor and reaches the Malciaussia dam, the terminal point accessible by car.
.Introduction
The municipality of Usseglio is located in the upper Viù Valley, the southernmost of the Lanzo Valleys, in the province of Turin. It is located in a typically alpine context, enclosed between some of the most imposing reliefs of the western sector of Piedmont. The place name has ancient origins and is traced back to the Celtic 'uxelios', meaning 'high' or 'sublime', in clear relation to its geographical position and the clear air of its mountains. The long history of the village, documented as early as Roman times by archaeological finds, was intertwined for centuries with that of the Savoy family, always maintaining a strong local identity. Today Usseglio is a municipality that preserves the mountain character of its villages and offers direct contact with a natural environment that is still intact.
Description
The territory covers a predominantly mountainous area, characterised by side valleys, alpine lakes and high-altitude pastures. The altitude of the main town is about 1,260 m, while the surrounding mountains reach altitudes well above 3,000 m: among the peaks is the Punta Sulè (3,380 m), the extreme watershed with the Swiss Valais and the Monte Rosa massif. The valley is crossed by the Stura di Viù stream and is home to numerous artificial reservoirs of hydroelectric origin, including the Malciaussia Lake, today also a starting point for many excursions.
The history of Usseglio reflects the vicissitudes of the Lanzo Valleys. After the Roman age, when the territory was a place of transit and rural settlement, the early Middle Ages saw it disputed between civil and religious authorities. Gontranno, king of Burgundy, annexed it to his domains in the 6th century, but it was Charlemagne who returned it two centuries later to the bishop of Turin and later to the city's marquises. With Adelaide of Turin, in the 11th century, the territory entered the Savoy orbit, remaining under their control for centuries. In the following centuries Usseglio saw alternating local feudal dynasties, such as the Baratonia and Arcour, until the modern age. In the 19th century, the figure of Count Luigi Cibrario, statesman, historian and senator of the Kingdom of Sardinia, stood out. He contributed to strengthening the link with the royal house.
The municipality's economy has traditionally been based on livestock breeding and sheep-farming, of which the numerous high-altitude pastures and cheese production, of which the toma di Lanzo is the best known, are an expression. The local economy is also based on hydroelectricity, with dams built between the 19th and 20th centuries. In recent decades, tourism has taken on an important role, thanks to hiking, amateur winter sports and food and wine events linked to Alpine traditions.
Local culture and traditions represent a strong element of identity. The patronal feast of Saint Andrew, celebrated at the end of November, preserves religious rites and community moments that are intertwined with village life. During the summer, the Rassegna gastronomica della toma and alpine cheeses is held, attracting producers and visitors from all over Piedmont. Typical dishes include polenta concia and preparations based on mountain herbs.
Usseglio is also an important reference point for hiking. The Malciaussia Lake (1,805m) is one of the most popular destinations and the starting point for itineraries leading towards the Cibrario Refuge (2,610m), at the foot of the Punta Sulè, and towards the Tazzetti Refuge (2,642m), in the direction of the Autaret Pass. Colle Autaret (3,071m) was historically a pass point towards Savoie and today remains one of the most impressive alpine routes in the area. In addition to the high mountain routes, there are mid-altitude hiking trails that pass through larch forests, historic hamlets and vantage points on the southern slopes of the Graian Alps. Alongside the natural heritage, there are also popular legends, linked to the spirits of the mountains and the patron saints of the hamlets, evidence of an Alpine religiosity stratified over time.
Information
Area: 98.54 km²
Altitude: 1,260 m
Maximum elevation: 3.538 m - Rocciamelone
Inhabitants: 187 (ISTAT data 31/12/2021)
Name in dialect: Ussèj
Inhabitants' name: Ussegliesi
Patron Saint: Maria Assunta , celebrated on August 15
Bordering municipalities: Balme, Bessans, Bruzolo, Bussoleno, Chianocco, Condove, Lemie, Mompantero, Novalesa
Net site: http://www.comune.usseglio.to.it