Alice Superiore: Lakes, Landscape and Cultural Heritage

Lakes, Wetlands and Moraine Landscape

The Laghi di Alice lie on the right lateral moraine of the Ivrea moraine amphitheatre, at the entrance to Val Chiusella. A lateral moraine is a ridge of rock debris deposited along the side of a glacier; a moraine belt encompasses an area of such deposits. The Laghi feature lake and wetland habitats, as well as damp deciduous forests with black alder (Alnus glutinosa). At the Laghi di Alice, the moraine landscape meets lake and wetland habitats.

The landscape around the Laghi di Alice also has several facets. Chestnut forests shape the area, covering about half of it. Meadows and grazing land lie in clearings and along the edges of the forests.

Gorge and Route

Another specifically named landscape feature is the Gola di Garavot, carved out by the Chiusella stream. The Gola di Garavot is a gorge; the Laghi di Alice, by contrast, feature lake and wetland habitats. The western section of L’Alta Via dell’Anfiteatro Morenico di Ivrea runs from Brosso to Ponte Preti through the Valchiusella moraine and passes the shores of the lakes of Meugliano and Alice Superiore.

Historic Sites and Access Routes

Remains of forges, mills and a hemp-processing mill are located in Frazione Gauna. You can reach the remains of the forges and mills from Frazione Gauna via the old mule track. Alternatively, the route starts near the bridge at Rueglio – Reg. Molini and follows the mule track towards Issiglio. These two access routes have different starting points; check local trail conditions before visiting.

Church, Archaeology and Craftsmanship

The west façade of the Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo features a fresco of Saint Martin in a lunette. Its precise position on the façade makes the fresco a clearly defined architectural detail of the church. A lunette is a semicircular or arched wall panel.

Remains of pile-dwelling settlements are located in the Torbiera di Alice Superiore area. The earliest traces date back to at least 3000 BC. Another historical period is marked by the last forge built in Valchiusella: it dates from 1861 and operated until 1948.

A Road Race Through Five Municipalities

A road race in the Campionato Canavesano UISP runs for about 12 km through five municipalities in Valchiusella: Alice Superiore, Lugnacco, Pecco, Issiglio and Vistrorio. The western section of the Alta Via passes the shores of the lakes of Meugliano and Alice Superiore; the road race runs through five municipalities in Valchiusella.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: San Pietro Val Lemina, Parella, Torrazza Piemonte, Piamprato, San Sicario Alto, Candia Canavese, Rondissone, Gassino Torinese

For the main travel overview: Turin.