Guided Tours of the Barite Mines of Pietraporzio

The Barite Mines, a hidden treasure of the Stura Valley

In Pietraporzio, a small town in the upper Stura Valley in the province of Cuneo, in the heart of the Piedmontese Alps, lies a site that tells a little-known chapter of Piedmont's mining history: the Barite Mines. Nestled in the Balaour woods, these tunnels have preserved the memory of an extraction industry that provided jobs for the valley's inhabitants for decades and shaped their landscape.

What the guided tours offer

The Valle Stura Experience Consortium, in collaboration with the Pietraporzio municipal administration, organizes a series of guided excursions that allow you to explore the mining site in complete safety. The mine was recently renovated by the Municipality: the wide and accessible entrance gives a glimpse into the vast scale of the mineral vein that was once extracted.

Visitors are accompanied by Stefano Melchio, a GeoGuide and deep connoisseur of the area, who turns the visit into a fascinating journey through geology, history, and local lore. It is a unique opportunity to understand how barite was mined, discover the secrets of this activity, and grasp the mark it left on the lives of local communities.

An experience for all ages

The excursion is designed to bridge generations through the wonder of discovery: children and history-loving adults alike will find it an engaging and accessible adventure. The loop trail covers approximately 4 kilometres with a gentle elevation gain and lasts about 2 hours. The difficulty is easy, and no special equipment is required: comfortable hiking clothes are all you need.

• Length: approx. 4 km (loop trail)
• Elevation gain: minimal, suitable for everyone
• Duration: approx. 2 hours
• Difficulty: easy, suitable for families with children

Geology and the valley's identity

Barite is a mineral that played a significant role in the mountain economy: visiting its extraction sites means reading the Stura Valley landscape with new eyes. These tours are part of a project to promote the historical and geological heritage supported by the Consortium, created to enrich the valley's tourism offering and raise awareness of a unique territorial legacy in the province of Cuneo and Piedmont.