MELLE, VALLE VARAITA
MADONNA DELLA BETULLA
6,5 km (4 mi)
The sanctuary of Madonna della Betulla, built in the seventeenth century, is located on the left side of the Varaita valley in an excellent panoramic location looking out over the ridge that runs from Monte San Bernardo to Pelvo d’Elva. Described below is the easiest route to reach the sanctuary, making it a perfect itinerary for families with young children, as it involves almost entirely dirt roads.
It should be noted that the mountains are an environment subject to constant change and conditions that can vary depending on the weather, the season, climate change, and human influence. The authors and ATL del Cuneese (the Cuneo board of tourism) decline any responsibility for any injury or other harmful consequences deriving from use of the information provided. Each itinerary is to be followed at your own risk.
The Stages
the route
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Start: Sant’Eusebio (Melle)
Proceed uphill along the paved road that passes beneath a beautiful parish church, a true jewel of the fifteenth century. Pass the nearby villages of Perotti Inferior and Perotti Superiore, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the section of ridge that runs from Mount Birrone to the imposing Pelvo d’Elva in the distance.
Just beyond Perotti, the road turns to dirt (there is a small parking area here where you could leave your car if you’d like to make the hike shorter). Past a couple of hairpin bends, continue alongside a clearing below the chapel of San Michele, perched atop a panoramic hill, which you could visit with a short but steep detour.
The dirt road continues through long hairpin bends with two (marked) shortcuts through the forest of birch, juniper and chestnut trees. You will soon reach the village of Pantoisa (1,074 m, fountain), which is well exposed to sunshine.
Continuing along the dirt road, you will pass a pair of tight switchbacks and reach the votive shrine that precedes the sanctuary of Madonna della Betulla, a stunning panoramic point that looms over Melle. Legend has it that at the foot of a birch tree, right where the sanctuary now stands, the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus appeared to a local boy.
The return follows the same route as the outward trip.