Discover Montalenghe – Moraine Landscape, Trails and History
Accommodation in Montalenghe
Montalenghe combines the moraine landscape of the Ivrea Amphitheatre with historical traces, natural sites and trails for varied days out. The municipality lies at the foot of the hill that forms the southern boundary of the imposing Ivrea Moraine Amphitheatre. The terrain ranges from its lowest point at 280 metres to the hilltop, which reaches 436 metres. Its south-facing position offers views across the plain as far as the city of Turin.
Moraine Landscape and Special Natural Sites
The Ivrea Moraine Amphitheatre is a glacial landform created by rocks and earth debris deposited by a Baltic glacier. In the Montalenghe area, in the zone known as Gogliasso in the south of the territory, there are three lakes fed mainly by spring water. In the forest on the moraine hill north of the town stands the Pietra del Vais, an erratic boulder. For many generations, the Pietra del Vais has been used as a natural slide and serves as a place to rest in the forest of Montalenghe. Il Cedro di Montalenghe is also designated as a monumental tree by the municipality.
Trails for Active and Relaxing Days
The Sentiero delle Pietre Bianche consists of interconnected loops that together run through the territory of 11 municipalities in the provinces of Turin and Vercelli and include more than 50 kilometres of marked trails. The Sentiero delle Pietre Bianche passes through the moraine forests by the medieval castle of Montalenghe, known as “Castelvecchio”, and by the Pietra del Vais, a distinctive feature of the moraine forests. The Antica Fonte di Lussana is a place to stop and relax for people walking the Sentiero delle Pietre Bianche. However, it is difficult to access for people with motor disabilities.
Anyone wishing to include a longer loop in their plans can choose the CAI route “Da Candia e Montalenghe sul sentiero delle Pietre Bianche”, an approximately 18-kilometre trail with around 300 metres of elevation gain and a T difficulty rating. The relevant section of Percorso 01 “Dal Lago di Candia a Caluso” follows the historic and once-only connecting route between the towns of Montalenghe and Orio.
Historic Sites and Local Distinctive Features
The Chiesa di San Pietro is a cemetery church dating from the 13th century. Three plates on its façade indicate that the building was a stop for passing pilgrims, who could find refreshments there. The Vasca del Broi is a water basin with a stone spring, used for watering animals and drawing water for agricultural irrigation. The Priorato San Carlo complex includes a church and a theatre.
Roman finds have been discovered on the hill of Castelvecchio. The first records of the “Castrum Montalengarum” date from 1181.
Useful Information for Your Stay
Free registration is required to borrow books from the library. Bus route 133 connects Torino, Foglizzo, San Giusto and Ivrea.
Traditional Flavours
At Fungalenghe, porcini mushrooms are prepared according to traditional recipes. A particular speciality of the festival is its famous fried mushrooms. Alongside nature and history, this gives a trip to Montalenghe a distinctive culinary touch.
Discover More Places
Villar Focchiardo, Moncenisio, Caselle Torinese, Rosta, Pralormo, Stazione, San Raffaele, Val Della Torre
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