In the heart of the Alps, nestled in the Viù valley, lies Usseglio, a small Piedmontese village that embodies the resilience and beauty of the mountains. Known for being one of the Most beautiful villages in ItalyUsseglio is a jewel at 1200 meters above sea level, a place where nature and history blend in perfect harmony.
Founded in ancient times, Usseglio has passed through the centuries keeping its community spirit intact. The village was recognized as Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club, a symbol of tourist and environmental quality. Its gray stone houses, narrow cobbled streets and historic monuments tell stories of a rich and complex past.
Even though the population is alone 209 inhabitantsUsseglio is an example of a community that resists and thrives. The La Chiara land association, for example, is an initiative that promotes the collective management of land to optimize agro-silvo-pastoral performance. This collective approach is an act of resistance and love for one’s land.
The ancient parish church of Usseglio with the museum spaces (Source Facebook)
The landscape of Usseglio is breathtaking: sharp mountains that are reflected in the moonlight, a starry sky that seems painted, and nature that manifests itself in all its majesty. The village is surrounded by natural parks such as the Orsiera-Rocciavrè and the Gran Bosco of Salbertrandwhich protect alpine ecosystems and offer refuge to abundant wildlife.
Usseglio invites visitors to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of times gone by. You can explore the murals that decorate the houses, representing the peasant life of the past, or visit the Brunetta d’Usseaux Museum, dedicated to historical photography. For nature lovers, there are countless trekking paths and breathtaking views. Usseglio is more than just a village: it is a symbol of resistance and resilience, a place where community and the environment support each other. Visiting it means discovering a corner of Piedmont where time seems to have stopped, but where life continues with strength and passion.
