Usseglio: Mountain Landscapes, Trails and Culture

Usseglio combines mountain landscapes with traces of different eras: trails follow a former railway line, a lake recalls the construction of a dam, and religious and civic buildings dating back several centuries stand around Piazzetta Luigi Cibrario. Nature and local history can thus be explored as distinct aspects of your trip.

Mountain Trails, Lakes and Wildlife

The Decauville Margone–Malciaussia route follows a former railway used to transport materials to the Malciaussia dam before the road was built. Old rails can still be seen in places, along with panoramic views of the mountains between Val di Viù and Val di Susa. The municipal route description recommends visiting between May and October and notes exposed sections and a tunnel. Check local conditions before setting out.

Another trail leads from Crot along the Enel road through Vallone d’Arnas, past Lago Dietro la Torre and on to Lago della Rossa. The route is estimated to take about two hours; here too, check local conditions on mountain roads and trails. Lago della Rossa is the largest lake in the Valli di Lanzo. While the Decauville route highlights a former transport link and visible remnants of the railway, the Crot route focuses on the lake and the approximate journey time.

Lago di Malciaussia is an artificial lake. It was formed by the construction of a dam from the late 1920s to the early 1930s; the hamlet of Malciaussia was flooded as a result. Groups of chamois and ibex live on the slopes of Torre d’Ovarda. These aspects of the landscape add a different perspective on the area to the trail descriptions.

Architectural History and Cultural Sites

Around Piazzetta Luigi Cibrario is the Antico Complesso Parrocchiale di Usseglio, a recently restored group of religious and civic buildings. The buildings date from the 11th and 12th centuries through to the 18th century. The old Church of the Assumption, within the complex, hosts exhibitions, conferences and concerts. Near the Malciaussia dam, the recently restored Chapel of San Bernardo preserves numerous ex-votos, considered evidence of popular devotion.

The Museo Civico Alpino Arnaldo Tazzetti is also connected to local history: it is housed in a building that served as the town hall from 1786 to 1958. The ground floor also housed the boys’ school. The museum offers cultural trails focusing on the area’s historical, artistic, architectural and natural features. Another architectural landmark is the new church of Usseglio, a Neo-Baroque building inaugurated in 1971.

At Corna, the landscape meets industrial history. Remains of cobalt, iron and copper mines can be found there; they were worked until around the end of the 19th century. Along with the history of the dam and the former railway, they offer several concrete insights into how the mountain landscape was used.

Events and Fishing

The Mostra della Toma di Lanzo e dei Formaggi d’Alpeggio takes place every year in July. Since 2020, the event has had national status. The programme includes food stalls, crafts, workshops, tastings, exhibitions and performances. Dates and programmes may vary, so check the details if you plan to time your trip around the event.

To fish in the Zona Turistica di Pesca di Usseglio, you need both a fishing licence and a permit from the concessionaire. As regulations may change, check the current rules before fishing.

Discover more destinations: Rosta, Agliè, Montalto Dora, Castagnole Piemonte, Collegno, Pavone Canavese, Cantalupa, Buriasco.

For the broader travel overview: Turin.