Notturni nelle Rocche

The Roero night walks

The Notturni nelle Rocche are a series of evening walks conceived and coordinated by the Ecomuseo delle Rocche del Roero, based in Montà. For over fifteen years, every summer, these walks have visited about twenty towns in the Roero area, in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont. The Municipality of Santo Stefano Roero is one of the most beloved stops on the calendar: an evening entirely dedicated to this village overlooking the 'rocche' (gullies), famous for its sandy ravines, ancient oak forests, and the hilly landscape of the Left Tanaro.

How the evening unfolds

Each night walk is approximately 5 kilometers long, suitable for those accustomed to walking, and lasts about two and a half hours including stops. The meeting point is usually around 8:30 PM - 8:45 PM for registration, with departure shortly after. In Santo Stefano Roero, the evening is organized by the local Pro Loco in collaboration with the Ecomuseum. Along the route, there is always a cultural stop featuring insights from local experts or a theatrical performance, while upon return, a nighttime snack is provided with herbal teas, fruit, and sweets prepared by local associations.

Nature, literature, and traditions

The value of Notturni nelle Rocche lies in combining hiking with storytelling about the territory. In Santo Stefano Roero, the evenings have featured high-level literary insights, ranging from myths and poetry to noir cinema and contemporary narratives, while in the valley floors, it is not rare to spot fireflies on early summer nights. The landscape of the 'rocche'—sandy earth gullies shaped by erosion—provides a natural backdrop for these walks, made possible by the collaboration of volunteers, guides, and local associations.

A festival for the entire Roero

The walks take place on Tuesday and Friday evenings, from June to early September, each in a different town in the Roero. Every edition is tied to a central theme that runs through all the stages: in 2026, the theme is dedicated to mysteries, thrillers, and cases to solve. In Santo Stefano Roero, the night walk is also part of the Sagra del Roero program, the town's historic summer event. Participating in even just one evening allows you to get to know a village, but many hikers follow the entire season, moving from town to town to discover the most authentic Roero.