The best running trails around Piasco

Verzuolo Castle is very beautiful, surrounded by ghost stories and strange voices that can be heard at night... I would say it is a fabulous castle 👻👻👻👻

some non-trivial descents

From the bridge over the Varaita torrent, just outside the heart of Costigliole Saluzzo, a suggestive panorama opens up that embraces the village perched on the hill and the waters of the torrent that flow at its feet. From this privileged position, you can admire the houses with their red tile roofs, the streets that climb towards the historic center and, on clear days, the majestic backdrop of the Alps. The sound of the flowing water and the view of the surrounding nature make this place perfect for a panoramic stop, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the Piedmont countryside.

Even today you can see the excavations of the lime quarry. You can find an information panel that reports an episode narrated in 1883 by Aurelio Stella, professor of mineralogy at the Polytechnic of Turin, to the students during a visit to the Varaita Valley. In addition, you will find some interesting information and testimonies of a family about their life in the valley, between departures and returns through the woods.

Monte Pagliano is almost a thousand meters high, reaching 989 meters above sea level. Its summit is covered by a rich forest where several really fun MTB trails branch off. We recommend that you pedal a few more times to reach the beautiful panoramic point just beyond the summit from which you can admire Monviso, Monte San Bernardo and many other peaks.

Old quarry along the dirt road for costigliole

Verzuolo, located in the Varaita Valley, boasts a medieval village rich in history and architecture. The castle, built in 1377 by the Marquis Federico II of Saluzzo on the ruins of a previous fortress from the 11th century, dominates the town from above. The village preserves medieval elements, such as decorated peaks and terracotta friezes from the 15th century, as well as a house with a typical Gothic structure. The parish church of Saints Philip and James, built in the 18th century, houses significant works of art, including a fresco depicting the "Pietà" dated 1422. The recent history of Verzuolo is linked to the Burgo paper mill, founded at the beginning of the 20th century by the engineer Luigi Burgo, who contributed to the economic development of the area.

Located at the entrance to the Varaita Valley, Costigliole Saluzzo is a charming medieval village that combines history, culture and food and wine traditions. The town is dominated by three castles: the Castello Rosso, the Castello Reynaudi and the "Castellotto", which testify to the historical importance of the town. Among the notable buildings are the Palazzo Giriodi di Monastero, currently the town hall, and the Palazzo Sarriod de La Tour, which houses the municipal library and exhibition spaces. The parish church of Santa Maria Maddalena preserves in its crypt the "Cristo di Pietà", attributed to the Flemish painter Hans Clemer. Walking through the narrow streets of the historic center, you can admire picturesque views and ancient architecture that tell centuries of history. The surrounding area is renowned for the production of fruit, in particular the round Costigliole apricot and the Quagliano grape, from which a fine red wine is obtained.