Cartignano: Paths, Bridges and Traces of History

Cartignano combines the landscape of the Maira with traces of local history. On the right bank of the Maira stands the Castello dei Berardi, strategically positioned for observing the valley. The castle is believed to have been built between 1453 and 1477. The Chiesa di San Lorenzo stands in Piazza Paschero and was built around the 16th century. Inside is a baptismal font dated 1494, attributed to the Zabreri brothers.

Bridges, Chapels and Rural Heritage

The medieval bridge of Cartignano has a covered entrance area and a central pillar with 19th-century depictions. At its center is a votive chapel dedicated to Saint Mark. The San Marco Chapel was built around 1835 as a votive offering after a flood of the river. It was also formerly the destination of a procession held every year on April 25.

In the Borgata Galliana of Cartignano, frescoes from the 16th century have been preserved in several houses. The Via dei Morti in Galliana is an unpaved path from Mittante to Galliana. It formerly served to connect the hamlets and, in particular, to carry coffins down from the higher hamlets to the church. In the Borgata Chiabriera, there was an old hemp-processing mill with a stone wheel; an old mill has also been preserved there beside the stream.

In Chiaudieres, the Feast of Saint Firmin is celebrated on the second Sunday in July. According to local tradition, San Costanzo was transferred from Roi to the Cappella di San Firmino. The tradition of Saint John's Eve in Cartignano includes gathering St John's wort, roses, lavender, sage and rosemary. These are used to prepare Acqua di San Giovanni, which tradition holds brings good luck, health and prosperity.

Hiking Trails with Different Themes

The Sentiero dei Caprioli is an easy walk of approximately three hours through the woods between Cartignano and San Damiano Macra. Its route passes through Cartignano, Galliana, Chiabriera, Celletta, Grange Lombard and Chiaudieres before returning to Cartignano.

The Anello del torrente Maira route begins in Paschero di Cartignano and heads towards the Castello dei Berardi and the Maira River. It partly follows the Sentiero dei Caprioli to the San Bernardo Chapel before returning to Paschero di Cartignano over a stone bridge. The Sui Monti di Cartignano e Saretto route begins at the car park opposite Cartignano town hall. It initially follows a vehicle track and then a mule track to the Santa Cristina church.

The Cappella di Santa Cristina stands on a raised ridge. The route then passes a cave and the ruins of Saretto before continuing to Colle Teje. The return route passes through beech woods towards Cartignano, running alongside the castle and the banks of the Maira. In addition, Stage 14 of the Percorsi Occitani reaches Cartignano along the Maira stream.

Guidance for Planning Your Trip

Cartignano also has a lit municipal motorhome parking area near the town center and the Castello dei Berardi. It offers an electricity connection as well as facilities for filling and emptying grey water.

Discover other places in the same area via Magliano Alfieri, Fornace, Torresina, Breolungi, Brondello, Levice, Feisoglio and Monticello D'alba.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.