Demonte between history, museums and nature

Demonte is considered an old alpine village with pre-Roman origins. Its townscape combines historic buildings with literary memorial sites and an alpine setting. This creates a destination that appeals to a range of interests without being limited to a single theme.

Historic traces in the townscape

Along the main street, the arcades are decorated with medieval capitals and wooden coffered ceilings. Demonte’s medieval civic tower is considered a site of particular historical and architectural interest. The Church of San Donato also contributes to the town’s long history: it was first mentioned in official records as early as 1332 and took over the role of Demonte’s parish church in the 14th century.

Park and fortress history

Parco Borelli is located on an ancient Quaternary hill. An Angevin castle stood here from around 1250; today, the park is a venue for cultural events. Another historical trace leads to Forte della Consolata, which was built in 1590 and demolished in 1796. The site of the former fort can be reached via an unpaved road that climbs, with several bends, to the large open area by the sports ground.

Museums and literary memory

The Spazio Lalla Romano is located on the first floor of the Borelli Counts’ Palace and is a museum with five rooms. The permanent exhibition displays photographs, writings, personal memorabilia and documents relating to the author’s close connection with Demonte and the Valle Stura. If you would like to visit the Spazio as a group, this is possible for groups of 15 or more by prior appointment.

The Museo Etnografico Lou Feracaval in Demonte is housed in a former smithy that remained in operation until the 1970s.

Hiking, cross-country skiing and landscapes

Demonte’s hiking options include easy walks on the hills behind the town. Another hiking route leads up to the chapels of Madonna del Pino. The hamlet of Festiona in Demonte is home to a cross-country skiing area with 42 kilometres of trails. The Stura di Demonte Natura 2000 site covers 575.90 hectares in Demonte.

Orientation and regional specialities

Demonte’s tourist office is housed in Palazzo Borelli, a 17th-century building. It provides maps and recommendations for excursions, activities and cultural routes, and is also the starting point for guided tours of Palazzo Borelli.

Porta di Valle is located in the hamlet of Rialpo. Its bar gives visitors the opportunity to sample regional specialities from the Valle Stura. When planning your hotel stay in Demonte, you can therefore consider in advance whether historic sites, museums, outdoor activities, landscapes or regional cuisine should be the focus of your trip.

More destinations for planning your trip to Italy

Also discover Robilante, Moretta, Canale, Roccabruna, Roburent, Artesina, Castiglione Falletto and Pontechianale.

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