EXPA – The Path of San Magno

A journey through nature and spirituality

The Path of San Magno is a guided excursion that follows the ancient route taken for centuries by pilgrims to reach the Diocesan Sanctuary of San Magno, one of the most evocative places of worship in the Piedmontese Alps. The initiative takes place in the municipality of Castelmagno, in the upper Valle Grana, in the province of Cuneo, and is part of the EXPA – Experiences for Passionate People series, promoted by the Terra del Castelmagno Ecomuseum.

The route

The journey begins in Campomolino, a hamlet of Castelmagno, where an 11-kilometre trail climbs gently toward the sanctuary with an elevation gain of just over 600 metres. The walk proceeds at a leisurely pace, passing through the hamlets of the upper valley and the numerous chapels scattered along the path, which are opened specifically for the occasion. Participants are accompanied by Noemi, an Ecomuseum hiking guide, who shares the history, geography, and traditions of this Occitan mountain region.

Arrival at the Sanctuary of San Magno

Arrival at the sanctuary is expected around 11:00 AM, just in time to attend Holy Mass. In the early afternoon, there is a guided tour of the complex, with a special focus on the precious frescoed chapels of Allemandi and Botoneri, decorated between the late 15th and 16th centuries by masters such as Pietro da Saluzzo: a treasure trove of Alpine painting of great historical and artistic value.

Gastronomy and hospitality

For lunch, participants can bring a packed lunch or book the Pilgrim's Menu at the Magno Locanda, which offers local flavours, including the famous gnocchi made with Castelmagno PDO, the cheese that has made this corner of Piedmont world-famous.

An Ecomuseum experience

The event is part of EXPA, a calendar of appointments that the Terra del Castelmagno Ecomuseum has dedicated to enthusiasts of local products and culture since 2015, involving the communities of the eight municipalities of Valle Grana. The Path of San Magno is the perfect synthesis of this spirit: a day of hiking, devotion, and discovery in the heart of the Cuneo mountains.