Macra: Culture and Mountain Trails in the Valle Maira

Macra is located in the Valle Maira. The local cultural heritage includes the Cappella di San Salvatore, the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Marcellino Papa and the Cappella di San Pietro. Macra is also home to the information centre of the Ecomuseo Alta Valle Maira.

Insights into history and regional culture

The Ecomuseo Alta Valle Maira project aims to enhance the environment, particularly with regard to folk traditions and evidence of the past. The Ecomuseo focuses on the Valle Maira. At the same time, it seeks to create or restore links between agricultural, craft and economic activities and the historical, architectural and artistic heritage.

One religious landmark is the Cappella di San Salvatore in Macra. It was built between 1120 and 1142 and is the oldest religious building in the valley. In Villar, the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Marcellino Papa stands on a hill in a scenic location. The frescoes on its right side indicate that part of its foundation probably dates back to the 15th century. The construction of the Cappella di San Salvatore predates the probable foundation period of the church in Villar.

Chapels along the historic route

Near the Borgata Villar, the Cappella di San Pietro stands on the old mule track ascending to Camoglieres. This path was once a medieval road through the Val Maira. The chapel was built in the 13th century. Inside, it houses a Danza Macabra dating from the late 15th century, considered very rare in Piedmont. The historic route and the chapel therefore belong to different periods in the history of the Val Maira.

Occupations and crafts in the Valle Maira

The “anchoier”, meaning an anchovy seller, was an occupation characteristic of the Valle Maira. This refers in particular to settlements on the orographically right-hand side of the Maira River: from the Vallone di Moschieres through Paglieres, Lottulo and Macra to Celle di Macra. In Borgata Serremorello in Albaretto Macra, there is also the “I Bottai” visitor centre, a permanent documentary exhibition dedicated to the coopers of Albaretto.

Routes between altitude and peak season

The Via Ferrata di Macra runs between Camoglieres at 980 metres and the summit of Crocetta Soprana at 1,320 metres. The difference in elevation between the two points is therefore 340 metres. This range can be taken into account when planning your own route. The Via Ferrata di Camoglieres was open to the public again from 27 May 2026.

The Cyclamen Trail takes its name from the cyclamens that can be seen along the route during their flowering season in August and September. Anyone wishing to see the cyclamens along the route can plan their trip around this flowering season.

For your own selection of other Italian destinations, you can then view Brondello, Demonte, Roburent, Feisoglio, Murazzano, Montà, Spinetta and Valdieri.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.