AM Club | Staffarda Abbey and Balma Boves

The route starts from the square in front of the cemetery in the hamlet of Rocchetta di Sanfront. Walk uphill along the tarmac road for about 1 km, then turn off onto the mule track, which follows a lovely, almost flat route through the chestnut woods to the small open space at Case Forano, before reaching the hamlet. Before our eyes appears Balma Boves, a picturesque village built beneath a huge rocky outcrop, whose distinctive appearance, with its stone houses and flat roofs, is so reminiscent of the Native American pueblos of North America.

The site, which has now been refurbished and transformed into eco-museum, reveals the secret of the village’s ancient inhabitants: their close connection with nature, self-sufficiency, and the careful and wise use of natural resources such as water, stone and the fruits of the earth. Even today, in fact, the tools, dwellings, stables, barns, chestnut drying rooms, fountains and the ancient oven tell the story of a time when these places bore witness to the so-called “chestnut civilisation”.

Packed lunch (recommended) and departure for the’Abbey of Santa Maria di Staffarda in Revello, in the province of Cuneo: one of the the most fascinating and important medieval monasteries in Piedmont. It was founded during the period between between 1122 and 1138. It was during this period that, amidst the tranquillity of the plain overlooking Monviso, the original settlement of the Abbey was founded within the territory of the ancient Marquisate of Saluzzo.

The Rule of St Benedict, upon which the Cistercian Order is founded, requires the frugality: the strictness of the rule is also reflected in the’the monastery’s Roman-Gothic architecture.
Inside Staffarda Abbey, one can see, particularly in the church, the slight asymmetry architectural, designed to highlight the spirituality of the place. Stone and brick alternate to create recurring red and white patterns, and little red stars adorn the vaults of the naves. On the central vault, in particular, one can follow a path of symbols. The cloister, partly surrounded by columns, was the centre of monastic life, as well as the hub connecting the various parts of the complex. The abbey complex is completed by the guest quarters and the covered market.

• Notes: a walk along mule tracks lasting about 35 minutes
• Departure: by private coach from Turin at 7.30 am from Piazza Statuto, 15
• Return: in Turin at around 6.00 pm
• Cost of the trip: 50 euros
• Info and reservations: online

Route in collaboration with Piemonturismo