Groscavallo

Access

Access to Groscavallo is mainly via the local road network, with road links running up the Val Grande from Ceres to the villages and hamlets of the municipality. There are no direct rail links; the village can be reached by car from Turin or from the plain by following the Val Grande provincial road [SP33]. Public transport services are limited and vary according to the season: it is advisable to check timetables and frequencies, especially during the summer period when the influx of tourists may result in temporary variations. Its location, well embedded in the Alpine environment, makes it a good starting point for visiting the surrounding valleys and protected areas, with parking available at Pialpetta and near the main hamlets.

Introduction

Groscavallo is a small Alpine municipality located in the Val Grande di Lanzo, within the Metropolitan City of Turin, in Piedmont. Covering a large surface area of 92.09 km² and with an altitude of 1,110 metres, the territory is dominated by the majestic Uja di Ciamarella, the highest peak in the area, which stands at 3,676 metres. With a resident population of 204 known as Groscavallesi, Groscavallo retains the charm of a rarefied village, where the strong imprint of the mountains and local traditions can be felt.

Description

The name 'Grosscaval' in Piedmontese dialect reveals probable Celtic roots, linked to the meaning of 'verdant valley'. The municipality, which includes numerous hamlets and alpine pastures, borders Ala di Stura, Balme, Bonneval-sur-Arc, Ceresole Reale, Chialamberto and Noasca. The landscape is characterised by wide valleys, larch and fir forests, and numerous streams feeding the Stura di Lanzo. Among the main villages, Pialpetta stands out, the administrative heart and venue for many cultural and sporting events.
The history of Groscavallo dates back to the Middle Ages, when the territory was the subject of contention between local lordships and the presence of iron, silver, gold and copper mines marked the economic life of the valley for centuries. Around the 18th century, the fiefdoms of Bonzo, Groscavallo and Forno were united to form the present municipality, following the gradual abandonment of mining activities. Agriculture, livestock breeding and forest work replaced the old mining activities, and the social fabric was consolidated around mountain life practices, local crafts and the strong cohesion of the fractional communities.
Today, Groscavallo is known for its agricultural tradition and for events such as the Mountain Agriculture Festival and the Groscavallo Mountain Festival, a schedule of summer events ranging from concerts to thematic walks and the re-enactment of ancient crafts. Local culture finds expression in the celebration of the patron saint Santa Maria Maddalena (22 July), in the festivals dedicated to dairy products and in the historical production of 'Toma 'd Lans'. Curiosities and historical re-enactments are an integral part of community life, which comes alive in the summer thanks to the arrival of holidaymakers and hiking enthusiasts.
The municipal area, set in a setting of great natural beauty, offers numerous hiking opportunities throughout the year. Well-marked trails lead to alpine refuges - the most famous of which are the Rifugio Paolo Daviso and the Rifugio Città di Ciriè - and allow you to explore unspoilt valleys, mountain lakes and panoramic viewpoints of rare beauty. In winter, the cross-country ring allows skiers to cross forests and gentle slopes, while in summer trails and mule tracks invite trekking, horse riding and encounters with alpine fauna. In addition to the Alta Via delle Valli di Lanzo, numerous itineraries depart from the hamlets and pass through places of historical and scenic memory.

Information

Area: 92.09 sq km
Altitude: 1110m
Maximum elevation:  Uja di Ciamarella (3676m)
 Number of inhabitants: 204
Name in dialect: Grosscaval
Name in local dialect: groscavallesi
Patron Saint: Santa Maria Maddalena (22 July)
Neighbouring municipalities: Ala di Stura, Balme, Bonneval-sur-Arc, Ceresole Reale, Chialamberto, Noasca
Website: www.comune.groscavallo.to.it