Melle between mountain pastures and history

Melle between forests and mountain pastures

Melle combines a distinctive landscape with evidence from several centuries. The municipal area includes the slopes of Opaco, called L'Ubac in Italian, and Aprico, L'Adrecc, as well as chestnut and beech forests, fir and larch stands, meadows and higher-altitude mountain pastures. The landscape therefore encompasses dense forests, open meadows and higher-lying grazing areas.

Cima Bracco is a summit in the vicinity of Melle. In the wider regional surroundings there are also the summits of Cima delle Lobbie, Punta Malta and Punta Trento.

Historical traces in the village

A particularly vivid testimony to the village's history is Piazza della Foresteria, which was later named Piazza dell'Ala. The square existed at the latest before the 15th century and was already used in 1400 as a resting place for passing pilgrims and as a grain market. As early as 1400, Piazza thus combined a resting place for passing pilgrims with a grain market.

The building of the ancient Confratria contains a fresco of the Trinity from the second half of the 15th century. Another recently restored fresco in Melle depicts the Madonna and Child between Saint Anthony the Great and Saint Sebastian. It is dated to the period between 1420 and 1470.

The historical atmosphere also includes Comba, a historic hamlet that has been documented since the 16th century. The remains of a medieval ricetto, meaning a fortified structure, are preserved there. A palace in Melle also dates from the 16th century. It was owned by the Orselli counts, who ruled over Melle for a long time.

Orientation, views and regional destinations

The Anello dei piloni begins at the traffic light at the entrance to Melle and is marked with signs as well as white-and-red trail markers. The white and red markings supplement the signs as a second form of waymarking. The municipality is also home to the Santuario della Madonna della Betulla. The sanctuary was built in the 17th century and is situated in a scenic location overlooking Melle.

The Museo dell'Arpa Victor Salvi is a museum in the vicinity of Melle. Castello del Roccolo and Castello della Manta are castles in the surrounding area. The Ponte del Diavolo is classified there as a historical site. For those interested in culture, Melle itself offers the frescoes and the palace, while the museum, castles and Ponte del Diavolo are located in the area surrounding Melle.

Toumin dal Mel and a fixed event date

Local food culture is also connected with Melle. Toumin dal Mel is one of the typical products of the Piedmont region. The Sagra del Toumin dal Mel was scheduled for 9 August 2026 in its 53rd edition.

More destinations

For further trip planning, you can also consider Fabbrica, Salmour, Vergne, Barbaresco, Roddi, Moretta, Robilante and Brondello.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.