Saints Peter and Paul Patronal Feast – Rochemolles

The patronal feast in the heart of the upper Susa Valley

The Saints Peter and Paul Patronal Feast takes place in Rochemolles, a charming alpine hamlet that is part of the Municipality of Bardonecchia, in the Province of Turin, in the heart of Piedmont and the upper Susa Valley. Situated at an altitude of over 1,600 meters along the valley of the same name, Rochemolles was an independent municipality until 1927 and still retains the intimate, authentic appearance of a mountain village, with its stone houses clustered around the bell tower.

A community gathered around its church

The heart of the festival is the church of San Pietro Apostolo, a national monument and one of the oldest parish churches in the Bardonecchia basin: its existence is documented as far back as the 13th century, while the current building was expanded and consecrated in the 15th century. Inside, it houses a precious coffered ceiling, a lectern from 1571, and other fine furnishings. It is in this historic setting that the hamlet renews its bond with its patron saints every year.

The festival program

The celebrations span two days during the last weekend of June, blending social, religious, and recreational moments:

• Saturday — Dinner reserved for members and supporters, followed in the evening by the "San Pietrino" dance with a live orchestra and the awards ceremony for the "Cup Bosc" Trophy.
• Sunday — Holy Mass in honor of Saints Peter and Paul, an aperitif offered to everyone by the Asso-Agri association, and in the afternoon, the traditional bocce tournament with an awards ceremony.

The spirit of the hamlet

Organized by the Asso-Agri Rochemolles association, the festival is much more than a religious appointment: it is an occasion for the small community to reunite, welcome holidaymakers, and keep their traditions alive. The hamlet also hosts an ethnographic museum that recounts the rural and alpine life of the past, from votive pillars to ancient mills, often opening its doors specifically for the patronal feast.

An experience between nature and tradition

Reaching Rochemolles means immersing yourself in one of the most authentic corners of the Cottian Alps: meadows, hiking trails, and the nearby artificial reservoir built in the 1930s provide a natural backdrop for a simple and sincere festival, where the scent of mountain cuisine blends with live music and the sound of bocce balls. For those visiting Bardonecchia in summer, the Saint Peter's Feast is a precious opportunity to discover a Piedmontese valley far from the main tourist flows.