Each region has its large cities and small towns. If on the one hand there is obviously Turin, which stands out from all the other municipalities with almost 850,000 inhabitants, on the other there is Briga Alta, at 1310 meters above sea level which has approximately 41 inhabitants. The small village is located between Liguria, Piedmont and France and – despite the low number of inhabitants – is very large. All that remains is to discover Briga Alta, the smallest town in Piedmont.
Because Briga Alta is the smallest town in Piedmont
Briga Alta appears to be therefore the third least populous municipality in Italyaccording to ISTAT surveys from 2023. The center of the Cuneo area is surpassed in this ranking only by Pedesina and Morterone, which is the smallest town in Italy.
Wanting to take the surface criterion into consideration, we should crown Miagliano in the province of Biella as smallest country in Piedmont, measuring just 0.66 km2. Briga Alta, despite being sparsely inhabited, is in fact very large. Suffice it to consider that it has a population density of 0.79 inhabitants per km2, setting another interesting record.
What to see in Briga Alta
Immersed in the greenery of the Maritime Alps, this small town offers breathtaking views and hiking routes that satisfy the soul of nature lovers. The country is divided into three hamlets, namely Piaggia, Upega and Carnino. Without considering that Briga Alta has an “alter-ego”, that is, the town of La Briguewhich definitively passed into French territory after the Second World War.
From here you can set off on the paths that wind along the surrounding valleys and mountains. At high altitude, close to the border, some refuges and chalets where to rest after a long trekking trail. Alternatively, you can walk around the area the Alta Via del Sale, an old military road which today is much loved by mountain bike lovers. Finally, it is worth traveling through Colle di Tendawhich connects Italy and France.
White cuisine: the typical dishes of Briga Alta
The cuisine of Briga Alta reflects the Piedmontese culinary tradition with Ligurian and French influences. In general, the traditional cuisine was poor and very homemade. She was called white kitchen as it was based on dairy products brought by transhumant shepherds. To these were added leeks, potatoes, turnips, cereals and other easily available foods.
It is no coincidence that one of the typical dishes of the area are the Sugelithat is, a pasta shape very similar to orecchiette which was seasoned with cream, leeks, mushrooms or – alternatively – with Bruss.
What to see around Briga Alta
The smallest town in Piedmont offers many things to visit in the surrounding area. Between typical villages and mountain landscapes, the choice is vast:
- Curtains: Colle di Tenda is one of the most important communication routes in the area. In the surrounding area you will find ancient military forts, rock carvings and the Museum of Wonders of Tenda.
- La Brigue: the small village offers wonderful landscapes, the chapel of the Madonna delle Fontane and some medieval buildings.
- Piedmont lemon: A well-known ski resort, in summer it offers opportunities for trekking and a beautiful historic centre.
- Open them: the small Ligurian village perched on a mountain offers a well-preserved historic center and the Lucertola Castle.
How to get to Briga Alta
Briga Alta, despite being a small municipality, is mainly accessible by private vehicle. If you want to reach it by car, the simplest way is to divert to Ceva on the SS28, continue up to Garessio and enter Ligurian territory at Ponte di Nava. From here continue on the SP1 until you reach Briga Alta.
Living in Briga Alta
Sometimes it may be necessary to break away from routine and take refuge in a quiet place, where you are surrounded only by nature, or even to radically change your life and leave the chaos of the city behind. If you are interested in moving or looking for homes for a shorter stay, please see the following links:
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