Curnis Auta

The Curnis Auta presents itself as a long ring route that contours the Grana valley, mostly traversing the watershed and linking the valley itself with Val Maira to the north and the Stura valley to the south. The route is characterized by a continuous variation of landscapes, making it very interesting both from a scenic and a naturalistic point of view. Its development, often along the ridge, guarantees continuous views of the Alpine chain both to the south, with the Argentera and Gelas groups towering, and to the north, where the pyramid of Monviso serves as a true north star, without preventing one from admiring the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa in the clearest days. The departure, from the Filatoio di Caraglio, a good symbol of the historical and artistic wealth of the area, occurs in the plain, while the highest point, at over 2500 meters, represents a mountain glimpse of absolute importance. During the route, one can admire a rich fauna and an extraordinary botanical wealth, with species of very rare orchids and flowers, such as Linum narbonense, which find in this area their only blooming station along the Alpine arc. In the upper part of the valley, the eye will be captivated by the imposing silhouette of the sanctuary of San Magno, capable of gathering, since the 1400s, the legacy of a pre-Christian prayer site. The return, on the other side of the valley, fully traverses the area of Monte Bram, Paraloup, and Chiot Rosa, where figures of the caliber of Galimberti, Dante Livio Bianco, Nuto Revelli, etc., contributed to writing the history of Italy in the transition from war to republic. The itinerary does not present any particular technical difficulties and is suitable for all hikers, provided they are trained, while welcoming accommodations are ready to refresh the hiker and offer him the simple and authentic hospitality of the Alpine valleys.