A valley inhabited since time immemorial
The valley lies nestled within the Graian Alps, to the northeast between the Valley of Champorcher (lower Aosta Valley) and the Orco and Soana valleys to the southwest. Not far from the Gran Paradiso National Park, the peak from which the Chiusella River — giving the valley its name — originates is Mount Marzo.
The ancient rock carvings of the “Sentiero delle Anime” (Path of Souls) and the “Pera dij Crus” (Rock of the Crosses) trace human presence on these slopes back to the dawn of time. To secure control over the territory, the legendary Celtic tribes of the Salassi fiercely fought here — the last Alpine stronghold resisting the unstoppable advance of the Roman legions. It was the Romans who began the centuries-long extraction of iron, pyrite, and magnetite, mining activities that shaped much of the valley’s economy until the last century. Even today, some recently discovered minerals can be found exclusively in this unique corner of the world.
Although Eleonora Duse had already sensed its charm and purchased a holiday home here at the end of the 19th century, the “surface” Valchiusella still remains one of the few places in northern Piedmont scarcely touched by domestic tourism. Paradoxically, the valley is better known among foreign nature lovers and mountain sports enthusiasts: with more than 500 routes, the Traversella rock gym is one of the largest outdoor climbing areas in Europe.
The characteristic moraine lakes of Alice Superiore and Meugliano, together with the semi-lunar landscape of the Monti Pelati Special Nature Reserve near Vidracco, are just a few among the countless invitations to explore the many trails winding through the valley.
The only thing left to do is come and discover it for yourself!
