Gaiola between the Stura Valley, churches and chestnut woods

Gaiola lies on a small alluvial terrace on the left-hand orographic side of the Stura River, between the entrances to the side valleys of Rittana and Valloriate. For your travel planning, this clearly defined location combines riverside paths, historic religious buildings and trails through the chestnut landscape.

Riverside landscape and traces of history

On arriving in Gaiola, you cross the deeply incised Stura River via the Ponte dell'Olla. In the upper part of the village, some ruins can be seen among the vegetation. They are attributed to the ancient fortification that dominated the entrance to the Stura Valley.

Churches and culture

The Chiesa Parrocchiale di Maria Vergine Assunta stands above the village. You can reach it by car via Via XI Febbraio or on foot along an easily manageable stepped path. Following a decision by the municipal council, it was rebuilt around 1715 on the site between the upper and lower parts of the village and consecrated on 15 August 1720. It was the first church newly built in the Stura Valley during the 18th century.

After about 500 metres, a gravel road leads right to the Cappella di San Bernardo on a small panoramic terrace. The chapel is considered a rare 16th-century testimony in the valley. Inside, there is a still partially legible fresco depicting the Deposition of Jesus in the arms of the Madonna, with Mary Magdalene and John, framed by an architectural structure with grotesque decoration. The Palazzina of the Falconi counts houses the Centro Polifunzionale La Gramigna, which offers an interesting cultural programme for the valley.

Hiking trails for different time budgets

For a short outing, the Pèsa Granda–L'Ubaiét trail begins on Via Perona and leads for 30 minutes through the Piana di Gaiola along the Stura River. The Le Ribba dë Stura walking route takes 45 minutes and runs from Stiera to the Stura River and on to the Olla gorges.

The La Bandìa trail takes two hours and is suitable for both experienced and inexperienced hikers. From its highest point, the Quiot del Chiri, extensive views open up; on clear days, visibility reaches as far as Cuneo. La Guiandéra also takes two hours. The trail begins not far from the characteristic stone-house hamlet of Bricaiot and leads through intact chestnut woods; the 1,100-metre-high Bric Rora is the focal point. La Reura takes two and a half hours and follows a steep path through chestnut woods.

The Pian Castanharé–Ën Bianchoun trail takes one hour and 45 minutes. It begins at the Chiesa Parrocchiale via the side municipal road Via Cesare Battisti and leads to Pian Castagnarè, an impressive sweet chestnut grove shaped like an amphitheatre.

Activities on the Stura

The Canoa e Kayak di Stiera school operates in Gaiola and works on the Stura di Demonte every year from April onwards with guides and instructors recognised by the association. Rafting trips on the Stura River near Gaiola reach difficulty level 2 to 3, depending on the water level, on a six-level scale.

When choosing a hotel for your trip to Gaiola, you can use the different trail lengths and interests as a guide for planning your days.

More destinations for travel planning

Elva, Castelmagno, Roddino, Morozzo, Vinadio, Chianale, Mondovì, Serralunga D’alba

To the main travel overview: Cuneo.