History

From the beginning of the 12th century to 1601 the Varaita valley was part of the small but influential marquisate of Saluzzo, which played a key role with main European powers between the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The upper Varaita valley, called Chastelada, had a different fate: for 4 centuries, from 1343 to 1713, it belonged to an independent federation known as Escartons, an enlightened and progressive example of peaceful self-government.

Crossroads of cultures, artists, travellers, soldiers and pilgrims, the valley has retained its most authentic soul. Several chapels and precious frescoes scattered all over the valley are evidences of this unique and cultured past.
In the following centuries times of prosperity alternated with difficult periods, marked by the transfer of power to the Savoy family, the wars among great European powers, religious persecutions, emigration, up to the Resistance movement.