Discover Usseglio: Mountain Trails, Lakes and Local History

Usseglio between Mountain Landscapes and Local History

Usseglio combines an alpine landscape with a rich local and cultural history. At its center is the Antico Complesso Parrocchiale di Usseglio: the recently restored group of religious and civic buildings was created between the 11th/12th and 18th centuries around Piazzetta Luigi Cibrario. This ensemble offers a concentrated introduction to various periods in the town's history as you explore it.

The historic character of the town also includes the Museo Civico Alpino Arnaldo Tazzetti. It is housed in a building that served as Usseglio's town hall from 1786 to 1958 and accommodated the boys' school on the ground floor. The museum offers cultural trails presenting the area's historical, artistic, architectural and natural features.

The old Church of the Assumption in the Antico Complesso Parrocchiale serves as a venue for exhibitions, conferences and concerts. This architectural setting is complemented by the new church of Usseglio, a neo-Baroque building inaugurated in 1971.

The history of the mountains can also be experienced in several places. The Corna contains remains of cobalt, iron and copper mines that were exploited until around the end of the 19th century. Near the Malciaussia dam, the recently restored San Bernardo Chapel preserves numerous ex-votos, regarded as testimonies to popular religious devotion.

Routes to Lakes and Mountain Views

The Decauville Margone–Malciaussia route follows the former railway used to transport materials to the Malciaussia dam before the road was built. Old rails are still visible in some places. At the same time, the route offers panoramic views of the mountains between the Val di Viù and the Val di Susa, combining the history of technology with a striking mountain setting.

A notable destination for hiking enthusiasts is Lago della Rossa, the largest lake in the Valli di Lanzo. From the hamlet of Crot in Usseglio, it can be reached in around two hours via the Enel road through the Vallone d’Arnas and past Lago Dietro la Torre. The slopes of Torre d'Ovarda are home to groups of chamois and ibex.

Lago di Malciaussia is an artificial lake. It was created by the construction of a dam from the end of the 1920s to the beginning of the 1930s and flooded the hamlet of Malciaussia. The lake therefore represents both the technological transformation of the alpine landscape and the history of the former settlement.

Alpine Traditions and Local Experiences

Every July, Usseglio hosts the Mostra della Toma di Lanzo e dei Formaggi d’Alpeggio. The event has held national status since 2020 and includes food stalls, handicrafts, workshops, tastings, exhibitions and performances. This gives you an insight into cheese-making and alpine pasture culture, connected with other cultural themes of the town.

In Usseglio's Zona Turistica di Pesca, fishing requires a fishing license as well as authorization from the concession holder. The San Camillo festival at Lago della Rossa is associated with the first Saturday in August. Together, these details complete the picture of a destination where nature, local traditions and seasonal events exist closely side by side.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

Montaldo Torinese, Almese, Plan, Viù, Eremo, Villafranca Piemonte, Casalborgone and Vidracco.

For the overarching travel overview: Turin.