SI E15

This long stage with considerable elevation gain marks the transfer from the Stura di Demonte Valley to the Grana Valley, primarily along former military roads. The first part involves a long ascent through the Vallone della Madonna up to Colle Valcavera at 2,416 meters, from which you can see the plateaus that mark the confluence of the Vallone dell’Arma, the Grana Valley, and further along, the Maira Valley. Just below the pass, the carriage road continues to 2,481 meters at Colle Fauniera, then descends along stretches of road and trail to the Sanctuary of San Magno in the municipality of Castelmagno. This site was once used for pagan worship before the area's Christianization. We are also in the region where the esteemed Castelmagno cheese is produced.