Discover Monti: Trails, Chapel and Mountain Landscapes

When planning a stay in Monti, you can choose from a range of highlights: marked trails, the Chiesa della Beata Vergine Assunta, woodland walks and alpine scenery. Each destination has its own distinct character and history.

Marked Trails and Walks

The Sentiero delle Carbonaie leads from Monti, at an elevation of 1,200 metres, to Col Cialmetta at 1,303 metres. The route is listed as having about 120 metres of elevation gain and taking approximately one hour. It is marked 204A and rated difficulty level E.

The Sentiero dei Laghetti has a different character: it is an easy walking trail through cool, shady beech and larch forests. At suitable times of year, there are plenty of mushrooms. The trail begins below the chapel of Monti, beside an impressive monument commemorating acts of resistance in the surrounding area. Nature and remembrance come together right at the starting point. Those especially interested in woodland landscapes will find a clear connection here to beech and larch forests and their seasonal mushroom growth.

The Chapel and Mountain History

The Chiesa della Beata Vergine Assunta stands in a commanding position at the entrance to the hamlet of Monti. It can be reached via a staircase that branches off from the road. The church is a typical example of the shepherds’ chapels built in the Valli di Lanzo between 1600 and 1700.

Past mining activities are also part of the area’s history. They came to an end towards the close of the 19th century. A few shafts and a former mule supply track on the slopes of Uja di Calcante bear witness to this activity. Another chapter of mountain history can be found on the ridge between Uja di Calcante and nearby Punta Lunelle, which is 1,384 metres high. The ridge is a historic climbing area for mountaineers from Turin.

Landscape and Distinctive Plants

The Big Bench del Pian sits on mountain meadows covered with rhododendrons, which are typical of this mountain region. It is easy to reach with a 15- to 20-minute walk.

One of the very few known populations of Euphorbia gibelliana is found on the slopes of Uja di Calcante. This endemic plant grows exclusively in the Graian Alps.

Interests and Time Available for Your Stay

The time estimates make it easy to compare the options: the Sentiero delle Carbonaie is listed as taking approximately one hour, while the walk to the Big Bench del Pian takes 15 to 20 minutes. These estimates refer to different destinations and help you work out how much time you have available. This allows you to plan around the themes that matter to you on your trip.

Discover more destinations: Rivoli, Montalto Dora, Druento, Vistrorio, Viù, Poirino, Vico Canavese, Alice Superiore

For the broader travel overview: Turin.