Hiking – Castello Provenzale Tour
This is one of the most spectacular loops in the entire Maira Valley, with limited elevation gain and distance, making it suitable even for families. The panorama is dominated by the dizzying cliffs of the Castello – Provenzale group, where it’s not uncommon to spot climbing parties tackling its many routes.
Rocca Provenzale: the story of a vow kept.
Rocca Provenzale owes its name to a legendary episode from the mid-nineteenth century.
Don Agostino Provenzale, parish priest of the hamlet Lausetto di Acceglio, was drafted during the First War of Independence (1848–49). During the Battle of Novara, his horse was shot down by the enemy and he himself was wounded. To escape the Austrians, who were slaughtering the wounded, he decided to cut open his horse and hide inside it, promising that if he managed to return home safe and sound, he would carry a cross to that great rock spur overlooking the village of Chiappera.
He succeeded in doing so and placed a two-meter-tall wooden cross on the summit of the mountain, which has since been known by everyone as “Rocca Provenzale.” The first ascent of Rocca Castello was made in 1908 by Vittorio Sigismondi. In 1930, the first ascent of Torre Castello was completed by Virgilio Gedda, accompanied by Don Agnese, the parish priest of Chiappera.
THE ITINERARY
Elevation gain: 680 m
Maximum altitude: Colle Greguri, 2,319 m
Hiking time: 4 hours
From Campo Base, return toward Chiappera along the paved road following the stream, and at the fork, take the left branch. Shortly after the second switchback, turn right onto the trail – signpost, 1,670 m – which climbs through the meadows at a moderate incline, joining the trail coming from Chiappera just above the ruined Grangia Agnelli – 1,790 m.
At around 2,150 m, ignore the fork on the right to Colle di Rui, and continue along the main trail, which climbs with tight switchbacks to reach Colle Greguri – 2,319 m. At the pass, nestled between Rocca Castello – 2,452 m and Monte Eighier – 2,574 m, stands a stark bunker of the Vallo Alpino, a real “attraction” in springtime for large groups of ibex.
Beyond the pass, the trail descends through wide meadows with splendid views of Rocca Castello, the Stroppia Waterfalls, and the upper Vallone del Maurin. A final steep section leads near Grange Rivero; after crossing the stream, head toward Grange Collet, where you ignore the dirt road and take the mule track on the left leading toward Grange Ciarviera. Cross the road and continue on the old mule track toward the base of the Stroppia Waterfalls – the starting point of the Dino Icardi trail – from where it’s just a few minutes back to Rifugio Campo Base.
Mountain sports are potentially dangerous activities and should only be undertaken with the proper equipment and preparation. We recommend checking the weather and avalanche forecasts before setting off on a hike and/or contacting a guide for accompaniment. Campo Base S.r.l. disclaims any responsibility for the advice and itineraries provided here, which should be personally assessed based on weather and snow conditions.