Attractions and Places To See around Aisone - Top 20

Aisone is rich in history. You can visit the Parish Church of the Holy Nativity of Mary, an 18th-century church featuring a 13th-century Romanesque tower and a 1441 Renaissance baptismal font. Don't miss the stone arches of the Remains of a Medieval Aqueduct, originally built between 1800 and 1838. Also, look for the unique Houses of the Rio Borbone Valley, known for their traditional rye straw roofs, and the Chapel of Santa Croce, which houses a medieval fresco depicting the Crucifixion.

Yes, the Riserva Naturale Grotte di Aisone (Aisone Caves Natural Reserve) is a significant natural feature. Established in 2019, it protects a system of natural cavities that show the oldest evidence of human presence in the Stura Valley, dating back to the Neolithic period. The reserve is also home to diverse flora, including several orchid species. Aisone itself is uniquely situated on a morainic ruin at the base of large, pine and larch-covered ledges.

The region around Aisone offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. You can explore various cycling routes, including challenging road cycling and mountain biking trails. For example, there are road cycling routes like the Vinadio – Col de la Lombarde loop, and MTB trails such as the Pra d'Sala – Mountain Elm of Demonte loop. You can find more details on these and other routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Aisone, MTB Trails around Aisone, and Cycling around Aisone guide pages.

Absolutely! The Valasco Plateau is a popular spot for families, offering a beautiful green landscape with a stream and easy walks. The Valasco Hut, located on the plateau, is also family-friendly and can be reached with about an hour's walk, offering a chance to enjoy local cuisine like polenta concia. Additionally, the Chiot Rosa Equipped Area provides a convenient spot with a fountain, tables, and barbecue facilities, easily accessible by car.

The Aisone Caves Natural Reserve is best explored during the mid-seasons, such as spring and autumn. The marked hiking trail leading to the caves offers an ideal excursion during these times, allowing you to enjoy the natural and historical landscape in comfortable weather.

For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting Col de la Lombarde, a challenging mountain pass offering stunning vistas between France and Italy. Colle Fauniera also provides panoramic views after a demanding climb. The Chiot Rosa Equipped Area is another excellent panoramic point, easily accessible and equipped for a stop.

Beyond their natural beauty, the Aisone Caves hold significant archaeological importance. They represent the oldest evidence of human presence in the Stura Valley, with seasonal occupation dating back to the Neolithic period (5th to early 4th millennium BC). Artifacts discovered within the caves, now housed at the Civic Museum of Cuneo, offer insights into the lives of early inhabitants, including their practices of hunting, pastoralism, and early agriculture.

Yes, Aisone is a great base for experienced cyclists. The Col de la Lombarde is classified as an 'out of category' pass, known for its sustained average slope over 20 kilometers. Similarly, Colle Fauniera is considered one of the hardest climbs in Piedmont. Both offer demanding ascents and rewarding views. You can find more challenging routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Aisone guide page.

The Valasco Plateau is renowned for its rare beauty. It's a large, verdant plateau with the Rio Valasco flowing through it, creating an idyllic setting. It's a popular destination, especially in summer, and serves as a starting point for numerous walks into the surrounding valleys. The Valasco Hut, once a hunting lodge for Vittorio Emanuele II, adds to its charm.

The Valasco Hut has a rich history, having served for many years as the hunting lodge of Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoy. Located on the enchanting Valasco Plateau, it's now a welcoming refuge that can be reached by an easy walk, making it accessible for many visitors.

Aisone is one of the oldest villages in the Valle Stura, first mentioned in the 12th century, and its historical core retains a captivating atmosphere. Beyond the Parish Church and Chapel of Santa Croce, the village's ancient charm and traditional architecture, such as the rye straw roofs of the Rio Borbone Valley houses, offer a glimpse into its cultural heritage.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the sense of tranquility. The Valasco Plateau is often highlighted as a place of rare beauty, perfect for families and nature lovers. Cyclists appreciate the challenging yet rewarding climbs of passes like Col de la Lombarde and Colle Fauniera, noting their low traffic and panoramic views. The accessibility and amenities of spots like the Chiot Rosa Equipped Area are also well-regarded.