Vernante: Pinocchio Murals, Tourusela and Nature in Palanfrè

Vernante combines an impressive local history, vibrant art and a landscape shaped by forests, lakes and mountains. If you would like to combine culture and nature in one trip, you will find several different highlights here: in the historic centre, you will encounter murals and noteworthy churches, while Palanfrè is associated with beech forests, a nature reserve and trails for summer and winter activities.

Art, history and local features

One of the defining features of the historic centre is its more than 150 murals, large-scale wall paintings depicting the story of Pinocchio. The parish church of San Nicolao is another sight in the historic centre that is well worth visiting. The Santuario della Madonna della Valle is also one of Vernante’s historic sights. During the Assumption celebrations, the sanctuary is the setting for festive observances.

The town’s cultural heritage also includes the Museo Attilio Mussino. It is housed in the former brotherhood building and contains original works by the illustrator. Another striking sight is Tourusela, a medieval castle in Vernante. The hexagonal tower and the surrounding walls have been preserved, overlooking the town and the surrounding mountains.

Vernante also preserves distinctive crafts and culinary traditions. Local artisans continue to make the Vernantin entirely by hand, a folding knife with handles made of horn or wood. Traditional recipes with a municipal designation of origin include stuffed onions and ravioli alla vernantina. Torta di zucca e meliga is also one of these recipes passed down through the generations. During your stay, you can therefore discover not only paintings, buildings and landscapes, but also local products and flavours.

Forest, lakes and trails around Palanfrè

Vernante lies within the Aree Protette delle Alpi Marittime nature park. Palanfrè, a hamlet of Vernante, is an important natural area. It is home to the centuries-old Bosco Bandito beech forest and a protected nature reserve. Since 1979, the Riserva Naturale del Bosco e dei Laghi di Palanfrè has protected the beech forest and lakes of Palanfrè.

In summer, trails lead from Palanfrè on foot or by bicycle towards Monte Frisson and the lakes of the same name. In winter conditions, the trails and landscapes around Palanfrè are suitable for cross-country skiing, ski touring and snowshoe hikes, including routes towards Monte Pianard or Costa della Garbella. Vernante therefore offers opportunities for quiet walks as well as active days in the mountain landscape.

The Vernante–Tourusela trail is an easy-to-follow experience. Its straightforward route is 1.6 km long and suitable as a gentle walk for all age groups. When choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Vernante, you can therefore consider whether the cultural highlights in the historic centre or the natural and active attractions of Palanfrè are a better fit for your travel plans. The Vernante tourist office provides information about events, trails and nature- and culture-related routes.

More places for your trip to Italy

If you would like to discover more places besides Vernante, these destinations will take you to different facets of the Italian landscape and local culture: Racconigi, Ruà, Castiglione Falletto, Farigliano, Cigliè, Vergne, Bene Vagienna and Arietti.

For the overarching travel overview: Cuneo.