Monumental Trees

In Stura Valley, as throughout Piedmont, forests have for centuries preserved the imposing appearance inherited from ancient eras. In fact, there are many documents in which, starting especially from medieval times, precise indications emerge on very large forest and woods. Despite this importance today it is difficult to quantify and contextualize this aspect since the anthropization of the territory has led to impressive changes, in the Valley, however, some monumental trees tell at least some shreds of this story.
One of this is the Monumental Chestnut of Valloriate, an imposing specimen that dominates away from the Chapel of Sant’Anna, and which for more than five hundred years has offered shade and shelter to inhabitants and holidaymakers.
Another extraordinary specimen is the Larch of Pietraporzio, a spectacular conifer which boasts an age of about 650 years and that dominates in a solitary position the path that leads to the Zanotti refuge. To admire its majesty, it is necessary to climb into the "Vallone del Piz” along the path which after an hour and a half of walking will lead you to reach this majestic specimen with its 23 metres high and 660 centimetres of circumference of the trunk and protected by a wooden dog which stands next to it as if it were a shepherd who looks after his imaginary flock.
Another beautiful valley tree is the Demonte’s Elm, which is in Bergemolo, a very small hamlet located about 3 kilometres from the bridge over the Stura. The elm develops on the churchyard of the Saint Michele Church and tradition has it that it was planted by Napoleon Bonaparte. At over 200 years of age this specimen continues its majestic growth and with its 20 metres high and almost 7 metres of truck circumference represents a fundamental element of our landscape.