Saint Anne's Sanctuary in Vinadio is with its 2.010 metres the highest sanctuary in Europe and is devoted to Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, Mary's parents. Set in a picturesque position, it is the most important faith site in the Valley, attracting many pilgrims who may find a homely place for praying and resting. The patronal feast is observed on July 26th.
This imposing fortification , built between 1834 and 1847, is a military engineering masterpiece even though it never experienced warfare operations. The three levels of the fort may be reached through 10 km winding communication trenches. Inside the fort the cultural association Marcovaldo holds a multimedia exhibition, "Montagna in Movimento " (Moving Mountains), which tells the history of the local mountains.
Alongside of Saint Dalmatius' gothic church you may find a romanesque abbey which in the middle ages became a major crossroads between Italy and France, so as to get to be an important feudal site with jurisdiction on Gesso Valley and the surrounding alpine valleys . The abbey - one of the oldest works of art in the valley - has baroque interiors rich in frescoes, gilts and staues and an underground Roman crypt .
The building - devoted to the Black Madonna of Monserrato - has uncertain origins. It is located on Borgo San Dalmazzo hills and may be reached through a leafy "way of the cross". From its position the valley and the surrounding mountains can be admired. From here comes the statue of the Madonna with the infant which is presently kept in the Borgo San Dalmazzo church. On the occasion of the patronal feast in September the statue is carried in procession back to the sanctuary.
A network of museums enhancing Occitan arts and tradition also operates in Stura Valley - under the management of Marcovaldo cultural association - in Barge,Caraglio, Celle di Macra, Elva, Ferriere, Pietraporzio, Ostana, Piasco, Sambuco, Sanfront, Valloriate.
The Church – devoted to Mary's Nativity – was built during the first half of 13th century by benedictine monks. After resisting the fire set by the troops of Anjou in Vinadio battle in 1355, it was later torn down by a Franco-Spanish army in 1744. After its rebuilding the Church kept the original baptismal basin, and an ancient stone aqueduct may also be visited in the vicinity of the building. The interior of the parish church hosts several religious items, such as a 16th century processional cross and baroque reliquaries carved in wood.
Events
Occitan culture festival with balls, music, tastings in open shops in the old quarters of Demonte.
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Craftsmanship exhibitions and display, escargot tastings, shows
and events in Borgo San Dalmazzo.
Procession and worship with
Saint Anne's statue
at the
Apparition Rock in Vinadio.
More than 100 characters and animals compose the animated nativity scene in San Pietro (Cuneo).
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A folk group from Demonte performing traditional occitan balls of Alpine valleys on the occasion of feast and festivals.
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Expositions, educational activities and a small diary are hosted in one of the Mountain Community premises in Pietraporzio.
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