Elva among Pelassiers, mountain panoramas and Valle Maira

The Vallone di Elva is a side valley of Valle Maira and is crossed by the stream of the same name. In its upper section, it opens into wide basins with views of the highest peaks of the Cottian Alps. This gives you a destination where regional history, alpine scenery and a clearly defined hike stand side by side.

Pelassiers and frescoes in Borgata Serre

A good introduction to the local history is the Museo dei Pels in Borgata Serre in Elva. It tells the story of the Pelassiers, or hair collectors, whose work made the name of the place known throughout Europe for centuries. A permanent exhibition with objects, photographs, documents and educational panels is dedicated to the work of the Pelassiers and life in the village.

The Parrocchiale di Santa Maria Assunta in Borgata Serre in Elva is a medieval single-nave stone church with a semicircular apse. It preserves a fresco cycle by Hans Clemer, also known as Maestro d'Elva. Casa della Meridiana is located in the same Borgata; it houses the Museo dei Cavié.

Panorama between Pelvo and Valle Maira

From the summit of Pelvo d'Elva, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama across the Cottian and Maritime Alps as well as Monviso. In clear weather, the view stretches across the Piedmontese plain to the horizon. This gives the landscape around Elva a particularly broad alpine dimension that extends beyond the immediate valley.

Another perspective is offered by Fremo Cuncunà, a natural rock formation in the Elva area at an altitude of about 1,700 metres. The formation projects above Valle Maira into open space and offers views from the surrounding peaks down to the valley floor. The site combines a distinctive rock formation with a wide-open view into the valley.

Hiking and historic route lines

Fremo Cuncunà can be reached from the starting point in 30–40 minutes; the round trip takes about two hours in total. For your day planning, this is a clearly defined mountain trail with a specific viewpoint as its destination.

The Cappella di San Giovanni stands along the Strada dei Cannoni, a military road built in the 18th century. Piedmontese troops built the road during the War of 1744, and Napoleonic troops later restored it. The chapel therefore stands on a route whose present-day name is directly connected to its military origins.

Getting to Serre and a regional speciality

Serre can be reached via narrow mountain roads: uphill from Stroppo or downhill from the Sampeyre Pass. From Dronero, the route initially follows the S.S. 22 for 25 kilometres. Shortly after Bassura, turn towards Elva and then continue for 8 kilometres to Elva.

Toma di Elva is a traditional product of Valle Maira. It is made in local dairies using artisanal production techniques and complements the region's cultural and scenic attractions with a local culinary speciality.

You can find more destinations for planning your trip here: Roaschia, Saluzzo, Govone, Roà Marenca, Scaletta Uzzone, Guarene, Lesegno and Bossolasco.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Cuneo.