Barge: Historic Streets, Castles and Trails

Barge: Streets, Churches and Castles

Barge's historic centre can be explored via picturesque, secluded streets with preserved houses dating from the 15th century. The parish church of San Giovanni Battista in Barge contains a quartzite floor created by former stonemasons from Barge. The combination of old houses, narrow streets and the quartzite floor shaped by local craftsmanship gives the historic sites different faces.

Castello Inferiore stands on a striking rocky spur at the confluence of the Infernotto and Chiappera streams. A rocky spur is a projecting rocky ridge that gives a structure a clearly elevated position. Castello Inferiore is distinguished by its tall tower. Only a few ruins remain of Castello Superiore, including, in particular, a water cistern.

From the Old Portico to the Rio Chiappera

The streets from the old portico near the parish church lead to the banks of the Rio Chiappera. The banks of the Rio Chiappera offer a picturesque landscape during the warmer months.

Monte Bracco and Bargiolina

The La Trappa di Monte Bracco monastery was inhabited by several monastic orders during different periods. The quartzite known in Barge as Bargiolina is also part of the history of Monte Bracco. Its extraction dates back to the first settlements on Monte Bracco around 1200. Around 1374, routes from Barge to the quarries on Monte Bracco were connected with the use of quartzite. Quartzite refers to a natural stone; in Barge, this natural stone is called Bargiolina.

Hiking Trails to Ruins and a Viewpoint

A picturesque path reaches the ruins of Castello Superiore in about 15 minutes. A hiking trail leads to Pian San Michele at an altitude of 680 metres. Pian San Michele is considered a viewpoint over the Monviso range. The approximate walking time to the ruins can be taken into account when planning your schedule.

Mountain Bike Circular Route from Barge

The Mombracco MTB Ring Trail is a 15-kilometre circular route with around 700 metres of elevation gain that starts and ends in Barge. Starting and returning at the same location makes it easier to plan a single bike tour without changing the starting point in Barge. Distance and elevation gain can be considered separately when planning. The 15 kilometres describe the length of the tour, while around 700 metres of elevation gain indicate the height difference of the circular route. When assessing the route, the number of kilometres and the ascent are equally important for planning the loop.

Golosità del Monviso

The Golosità del Monviso event usually takes place at the end of July. It is dedicated to local foods, food craftsmanship, typical dishes and regional specialties. The culinary focus therefore ranges from the artisan handling of food to dishes and products from the region. The late-July date can be taken into account when planning your stay.

Other destinations: Pianfei, Crissolo, Limone Piemonte, Entracque, Prine, San Damiano Macra, Roccaforte Mondovì, Sanfront

To the main travel overview: Cuneo.