Holiday apartment in Macra: Chapels, mountain trails and Ecomuseo

Macra offers a varied gateway to cultural history, local traditions and mountain trails. The information centre of the Ecomuseo Alta Valle Maira is located in Macra, making the village a suitable starting point for anyone who wants to get to know Val Maira not only through its landscapes but also through its past. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Macra can plan their trip around their preferred combination of culture, historical traces, hiking trails and nature observation.

Cultural history in Macra and Villar

One of the most striking religious buildings is the Cappella di San Salvatore in Macra. It was built between 1120 and 1142 and is the oldest religious building in the valley. Another historic stop is the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Marcellino Papa, which stands in a scenic location on the hill of Villar. The frescoes on its right side indicate that part of its foundation probably dates back to the 15th century.

A rare depiction in the Cappella di San Pietro

Near Borgata Villar, the Cappella di San Pietro stands along the old mule track climbing to Camoglieres. This route was once a medieval road through Val Maira. The chapel was built in the 13th century. Inside, it houses a Danza Macabra dating from the late 15th century, considered very rare in Piedmont. This site therefore combines its position on a historic route with a remarkable example of late medieval art.

The history of the Ecomuseo Alta Valle Maira also extends beyond individual buildings. The project aims to enhance the environment, particularly with regard to popular traditions and evidence of the past. At the same time, it seeks to create or restore connections between agricultural, craft and economic activities and the historical, architectural and artistic heritage.

Occupations and memories in Valle Maira

A distinctive regional trace leads to the anchoier, the anchovy seller. This occupation was characteristic of Valle Maira, particularly in the settlements on the orographically right-hand side of the Maira River: from Vallone di Moschieres through Paglieres, Lottulo and Macra to Celle di Macra. In Borgata Serremorello in Albaretto Macra, the visitor centre “I Bottai” is dedicated to the coopers of Albaretto. The permanent documentation exhibition adds a specific craft theme to the cultural-historical impressions.

Mountain trails and seasonal nature

Macra also appeals to visitors who want to spend their days on trails and rocky climbs. The Cyclamen Trail owes its name to the cyclamens that can be seen along the route during the flowering season in August and September. The Via Ferrata di Macra runs between Camoglieres at 980 metres and the summit of Crocetta Soprana at 1,320 metres. In addition, the Via Ferrata di Camoglieres was reopened to the public from 27 May 2026.

For families with children of different ages, this range of options can allow for different daily rhythms: historic chapels and exhibitions provide cultural highlights, while trails and seasonal plant observation appeal to other interests. When looking for a holiday apartment in Macra, the decision can therefore be sensibly linked to the planned combination of discovery, history and activity, without reducing the village to just one pursuit.

Further places for your trip planning

Grinzane Cavour, Breolungi, Valdieri, San Giacomo, Morozzo, Monforte De Alba, Roddino and Lagnasco

For the overview of the wider travel area: Cuneo.