Ruà among mountain paths, churches, and living history

Ruà combines a tranquil mountain landscape with traces of religious heritage, historic building culture, and local everyday history. The group of houses lies along the Sentiero della Costruzione Alpina, while circular trails, chapels, and cultural sites offer different ways to experience the surrounding area. Those looking for a place with a history and strong links to the landscape for their trip to Italy will find numerous themes here that can be explored together.

Churches, Chapels, and Local Traditions

The parish church of San Giovanni Battista in Celle di Macra dates back to the 14th century, was largely rebuilt in the Baroque style between the 17th and 18th centuries, and preserves a medieval bell tower. At the same time, it visibly combines different phases of construction.

The Chapel of San Sebastiano was built on the occasion of one of the epidemics that afflicted the area in the 15th century. In 1484, Giovanni Baleison frescoed its chapel apse with a depiction of the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian. Here, religious remembrance, medieval art, and the changing history of the valley come together.

The Baìa is also part of the local culture, a very old and deeply rooted festival rich in symbolism. Its meanings are connected with renewal and fertility. The Sentiero della Fede likewise reflects religious experiences of the landscape: the circular trail passes through hamlets in the municipalities of Macra and Celle di Macra and features numerous examples of popular devotion, including votive pillars and chapels.

Trails, Building Culture, and History

The Sentiero della Costruzione Alpina leads through the group of houses in Ruà. Examples of log construction can be seen there, so the trail not only connects places across the landscape but also draws attention to traditional building forms. Historically, Ruà was considered the main centre of Borgata Chiotto. In Borgata Combe, visitors can also see three fully restored mills.

Another focus of cultural history is the Museo Sèles. It documents the history of itinerant trades, particularly that of the Ancìue, or anchovy sellers, who were associated with several hamlets of Celle di Macra. The historic site of Ponte del Diavolo is also located in the area around Ruà.

Mountain Landscapes and Other Destinations

The surroundings of Ruà include several peaks: Monte Viridio, Punta dell'Omo, Monte Borel, and Monte Savi. Further afield in the region are the Museo dell'Arpa Victor Salvi and Castello del Roccolo. The Chiesa parrocchiale church is also located in the area around Ruà.

Ruà can therefore be explored through a range of interests: medieval and Baroque religious buildings, examples of popular devotion, traditional architecture, and the history of regional trades. For your travel planning, this combination provides clear orientation between tranquil landscapes, cultural discoveries, and trails through several hamlets.

More Places for Your Travel Planning

Piazza, Garbelletto, Saliceto, Castiglione Falletto, Torre Bormida, Giardina, San Damiano Macra and Perno.

For the overarching travel overview: Cuneo.