Pocapaglia: Rocche, Trails and History in the Roero

Pocapaglia reveals the character of the Roero within a compact area: natural Rocche, forests, a castle overlooking the town and trails that pass churches and sites of cultural and historical interest. Anyone wishing to combine landscapes and local history on a trip to Italy will find concrete themes here for walks and sightseeing.

Rocche and Forests of the Roero

The Rocche of Pocapaglia are natural cliffs and deep gorges in shades of orange and ochre. They lie amid the forests of the Roero. Since 2003, Pocapaglia has been part of the Zona di salvaguardia dei boschi e delle rocche del Roero. Forests cover around one third of the municipal area; these include mixed deciduous forests, chestnut groves and Scots pine forests. Rock formations and wooded areas therefore shape the landscape together.

Castle, Churches and Local History

Pocapaglia Castle was first mentioned in a document issued by Emperor Otto III in 998. It was rebuilt around the middle of the 14th century after the French army had severely damaged it. Particularly noteworthy is a carved portal made of light-coloured stone, featuring armour, weapons, arrows, quivers, drums, a shield and a grotesque face. Filippo Juvarra is said to have drawn inspiration from this portal for the interior door frames of Palazzo Madama.

The parish church of Santi Giorgio e Donato was built between 1663 and 1666. It was restored at the beginning of the 19th century and reconsecrated in 1804. The Confraternita di Sant'Agostino was rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1742, partly using reused material from the earlier building.

Hiking Trails with Different Profiles

The Sentiero della Masca Micilina begins at the parish church of Santi Giorgio e Donato, follows Pocapaglia's main road and passes the church of Sant'Agostino and the castle. The easy trail is 4.5 kilometres long and includes 160 metres of elevation gain. Another option is the Sentiero della Rocca Creusa: this 4-kilometre family trail includes 150 metres of elevation gain and runs 70 percent through natural areas and 30 percent along paved paths.

The Sentiero della Rocca Creusa features a particularly impressive Rocche amphitheatre. The surrounding woodland also contains a cave where the legendary hermit is said to have lived. The Sentiero botanico della Verna is also designed as a family trail; it is 4.8 kilometres long and includes 90 metres of elevation gain. Seventy percent runs through nature and 30 percent along roads. The different trail lengths, elevation gains and surfaces help you identify the right hiking option for your day's plans.

Museum and Practical Information

The “Rocche e Masche” Museum is dedicated to local traditions, historic crafts, the history and legends of Pocapaglia, including the story of Masca Micillina. On the first Sunday of March, April, May, June, July, September, October and November, it is open from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visits are guided by volunteers; groups can arrange an opening by booking in advance.

The S1 trail passes through the Pocapaglia hamlets of America dei Boschi and Saliceto before reaching Pocapaglia. Along the way, there are views of the Rocche and the castle perched above the town. In the historic centre, there is an electric bicycle charging station near the sports facilities.

You can access further destinations here: Marsaglia, Fort, Trinità, Garbelletto, Boves, Crissolo, Entracque, Viola

For the main travel overview: Cuneo.