San Damiano Macra: Mountain Trails, Culture and Local Festivals

Landscape and Water

The area of San Damiano Macra extends southwards to Rocca Cernauda at an elevation of 2,282 m. Lago di San Damiano Macra lies south of the town centre. The small artificial basin was created by damming the Maira River.

High-Mountain Cycling Route

The Strada dei Cannoni is a 43 km-long high-mountain cycling route with 1,875 metres of ascent. The long distance and the climb determine how the daily stage is divided. The combination of the considerable route length and significant difference in elevation defines the character of this cycling tour. At Borgata Chesta, the Strada dei Cannoni is connected with the municipality of San Damiano Macra.

Circular Routes through Hamlets and Valleys

The Puy Trail is a scenic circular route that passes through several hamlets of San Damiano Macra. The route combines a circular format with a course through the town’s smaller settlements.

The “Giro ad anello a San Damiano” circular route leads through the hamlets of Cogno and Biancera to the Chapel of San Chiaffredo in the hamlet of Roi in San Damiano Macra. Along this route, several hamlets and a chapel serve as specific points on the itinerary.

Another circular route runs between the Poca and Combamala valleys. The circular route uses old paths as well as a service road leading to the hydroelectric facilities of the power station.

Chapels and Historical Evidence

The cemetery chapel in Pagliero preserves a Roman funerary inscription. In the hometown of the Zabreri masters, a baptismal font from 1450 and the capitals in the parish church are well worth seeing. For those interested in culture, San Damiano Macra combines sacred heritage with festivals and choral singing. Both references complement the trails and landscapes with tangible evidence of local history and sacred architecture.

Local Festivals and Choral Singing

The Festa dell’Autunno “Fiero di Quatre” is a market featuring local products from mountain traditions and takes place in San Damiano. It is held on the fourth Sunday in October. The Festa dell’Autunno “Fiero di Quatre” also includes dances and the distribution of “Mundai”.

The patronal feast of Saint Anthony of Padua takes place in the chapel of the same name above San Damiano on the penultimate Sunday in June. In spring, the “Chanten Mai” choral event takes place, organised by the “La Reis” choir. The events are spread across several seasons.

The feast of Saint Anthony in Pagliero, a hamlet of San Damiano Macra, is a recurring tradition. The feast includes an auction of donated products and items. In this way, seasonal events complement the local chapels, historical evidence and trails with lively cultural dates.

Further destinations: Canosio, Villanova Mondovì, Crissolo, Santa Margherita, Stroppo, Roe, Ruà and Beinette.

For the broader travel overview: Cuneo.