Villar San Costanzo between the Ciciu Rocks and Romanesque Architecture

Villar San Costanzo is an excellent starting point for getting to know the Alta Valle Maira – here, natural formations, religious buildings, archaeology and easy trails come together.

Nature and unusual rock formations

The Riserva Naturale dei Ciciu del Villar was established by the Piedmont Region in 1989. It is located in the municipality of Villar San Costanzo, in the Costa Pragamonti district of Val Maira, ranges in elevation from 670 to 1,350 metres and covers 64 hectares. For nature enthusiasts, this protected area is characterised by its distinctive geology.

The Ciciu rock formations are large rock mushrooms with an earth pillar and a cap made from a block of hard gneiss. Ciciuvagando, an approximately 45-minute tourist and educational circular trail, runs through the Riserva Naturale dei Ciciu del Villar. Information panels explain how the Ciciu were formed, as well as stories and legends and the flora observed along the trail. Climbing the Ciciu rock formations is prohibited; bouldering is practised on rocks and formations at the edge of the Riserva.

Romanesque buildings and historical traces

San Costanzo al Monte combines Romanesque architecture with religious tradition. The Romanesque apse area and the octagonal tiburium are the most artistically interesting part of the San Costanzo al Monte complex. According to tradition, the relics of the holy martyr were kept in the Romanesque crypt.

The Parrocchia di San Pietro in Vincoli Ex-abazia di Villar San Costanzo is a Romanesque building with a Gothic bell tower and Baroque façade. The Cappella di San Giorgio dates from the 15th century.

At the Parco Archeologico Cannetum in Villar San Costanzo, visitors can see an Iron Age hut, a Lombard hut and the Castrum. L'Arc organises workshops on the construction and use of historical bows, bronze casting, early medieval goldsmithing, blacksmithing and woodworking.

Walks and special activities

The first stage of the Percorsi Occitani leads from Villar San Costanzo to Sant’Anna di Roccabruna. Santa Maria di Villar San Costanzo is a starting point for easy walks along unpaved paths on the slopes of Monte San Bernardo. The reserve also offers an easy walk of approximately 30 minutes, featuring carved wooden animals representing typical local occupations.

Pilgrimage and an annual event

The Santuario di Santa Maria Delibera is a frequently visited pilgrimage site for believers who venerate the Madonna. The feast day of Saints Vittore and Costanzo on 12 September includes a religious procession accompanied by mounted Roman soldiers in historical costumes.

Opening of San Costanzo al Monte

The period from April to October is important for visiting San Costanzo al Monte: on the second Sunday of each month, the complex is open to visitors from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Volontari per l’Arte accompany visits for groups of at least six adults.

More destinations for your planning

If you would like to add more places to your trip: Trinità, Roccasparvera, Cerretto Langhe, Barbaresco, San Giacomo, Bonvicino, Barge and Terme di Valdieri.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.