Angrogna

The area is marked by these events, in fact there are several points of interest related to the Waldensian Church, for example:

• the Waldensian church in the hamlet of San Lorenzo, originally built in 1555, but destroyed several times. The current version dates back to 1708;
• the Waldensian temple of Ciabàs, from the 16th century, which houses the remains of several famous Protestants of foreign origin;
• the Waldensian temple of Serre, built around 1875;
• the Waldensian temple of Pradeltorno, built in the neo-Gothic style in 1877;
• the "Coulège d'i Barba" in Pradeltorno, where Waldensian preachers, known as "beards," were trained;
• the monument of Chanforan, erected in the locality of the same name to commemorate the Synod of 1532;
• the Gheisa d'la tanaè, a cave that was the natural refuge of the Waldensians during the persecutions;
• the Odin-Bertot School Museum, an interesting testimony to the Waldensian school system.

Routes involving Angrogna and its valley are also steeped in Waldensian history. This creates a unique combination of history and outdoor activities that is fascinating.

The main route is theWaldensian Alps loop, an 8-stage walk of considerable naturalistic value, which winds through the municipalities of Angrogna, Bobbio Pellice, Rorà, Torre Pellice and Villar Pellice. In particular, the territory of Angrogna is the protagonist of the second stage, from Alpe Vandalino to Colle Vaccera, which touches several places that were the scene of Waldensian history, and of the third stage, which goes from Colle Vaccera to Alpe Caougis, with very striking views.

A truly culturally dense itinerary is theAngrogna Valley loop, which from Pradeltorno touches on all the places of interest in Waldensian history, including villages, forests and splendid views of the valley.

Then there is a scenic route that is accessible to all and can be done in half a day: it is thering of Monte Servin, starting from Colle Vaccera.

If you are fond of biking, you can choose theVal D'Angrogna Ring, which is different from the one that can be done on foot, and which climbs from Torre Pellice to Angrogna, Colle Vaccera, Alpe Criuliro, to descend from Pradeltorno. If you like challenges and love road bikes, you can opt for the difficult climb to Colle Vaccera from Pralafera, with nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain. With mountain biking, on the other hand, the ideal is the "Agostino Benedetto" trail, a loop that from Colletta di Parostino passes through the municipalities of Angrogna and Bricherasio, created by the SportivaMente Association and dedicated to a deceased member.

Angrogna is very close to two larger centers: in fact, it is ten minutes from the town of Torre Pellice and half an hour from the town of Pinerolo.

Torre Pellice is also marked by the history of the Waldensian community, which is why it is called Little Italian Geneva. Of great interest, in fact, are:

• the Waldensian Quarter, with buildings of elegant sobriety, such as the church, museum, cultural center and the Waldensian House;
• the Waldensian Museum, an ethnographic museum with an itinerary that reconstructs the history of this persecuted minority;
• the monument to Henry (Henri) Arnaud, in the center of the village, erected in 1926 in memory of this fighting pastor who led the Waldensians in the "Glorious Repatriation" in 1689.

Pinerolo, on the other hand, has a delightful historic center that you can walk around under the porticoes, and in which you can admire well-preserved old buildings and stores of bygone days, stopping to stop in one of the many artisanal bakeries with sweet-looking and inviting shop windows. Two churches are worth a visit: the Cathedral of San Donato, with marvelous frescoes, built around the year 1000, but remodeled over the centuries; and the Basilica of San Maurizio, which stands on a hill (but easily reached by a walk), with an austere façade that contrasts with the sumptuously decorated interior, including frescoes and trompe l'oeil ornaments. Of great interest to enthusiasts, finally, is the Museum of the Cavalry, with displays of arms, uniforms, memorabilia and historical photographs.