Exilles

But the undisputed symbol of Exilles is its imposing fort, which stands on a rocky outcrop and acts as a silent sentinel over the entire Susa Valley. It is a truly ancient complex: the earliest documents mentioning it date back to the 7th century. The first description of the castle, however, is from 1339, and tells us of a quadrangular plan and several towers. A quite different appearance, that is, from that of the fort as it is today. Over the centuries, in fact, the manor was enlarged and strengthened to become one of the main bulwarks against French incursions into Piedmont and vice versa. After being destroyed in the Napoleonic period, the fort was rebuilt in the form we see today between 1818 and 1829. During World War II it was abandoned and lost its military function. Today, in fact, it is open to the public and houses permanent museum areas. Its fame, however, is mainly due to the famous Iron Mask, which is believed to have been locked up here between 1681 and 1687.

In the quiet of the Susa Valley, there are a number of places where history, nature and spirituality come together to provide deep emotions. The first one we point out to you is one of the symbols of Piedmont: we are talking about the Sacra di San Michele, an imposing abbey dating back to the 10th century and perched on top of Mount Pirchiriano. Located about 40 kilometers from Exilles, this structure is famous for its location, from which you can enjoy an out-of-the-ordinary panorama, and for the aura of mystery that surrounds it. The Sacra, in fact, is part of a sacred line that links several shrines, from the Mount Carmel Shrine in Israel to Michael's Mount in England.

Staying in the spiritual realm,Novalesa Abbey, founded in 726 A.D., is one of the oldest Benedictine monasteries in Italy, among other things still inhabited by the monastic order. One of the complex's chapels houses ancient frescoes, dating back to the 11th century; notable among them are the cycle dedicated to St. Eldred and the one dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari.

Less than an hour from Exilles, there are then the Lakes of Avigliana, nestled in the peace of the natural park of the same name. This protected area, with its two lakes (Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo), is a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, one can enjoy walks and outdoor activities, such as boating and birdwatching. In addition, the quaint village of Avigliana, which overlooks one of the lakes and is surrounded by the nature reserve, is a little gem, complete with a medieval castle.

Finally, a short distance from Exilles, there is Susa. Founded in Roman times, this town is famous for theArch of Augustus, built in the 1st BC, and the remains of the Roman theater, both evidence of its importance in imperial times. Also in the heart of the town are the ancient Cathedral of San Giusto, of medieval origin, and the Castle of Countess Adelaide, from the same period, named after the noble female figure who brought Susa into the orbit of the House of Savoy in the Middle Ages.

As we said, Exilles is also known for the passage of an ancient and famous pilgrimage route: the Via Francigena. Among the eleven stages of this path involving the Susa Valley, the one that passes through Exilles and its fort is the second, leading from Oulx to Susa. In addition to Exilles, the route also touches on the charming village of Salbertrand.

But it is not the only path in this area: there is, in fact, a second itinerary of a historical-cultural kind, called "The Glorious Repatriation of the Waldensians," which retraces precisely the footsteps of the Waldensians in their exile to Switzerland in 1689. The municipality of Exilles is affected by the second stage, which leads from the Clapier Pass to Colonia Viberti, and the third stage, which goes from Giaglione to the Arlaud Refuge.

Finally, there is the Sentiero Balcone della Valsusa (Valsusa Balcony Trail), a loop in stages that traces the entire Upper Susa Valley. The second stage, in particular, goes from Cels to Salbertrand, passing right through the municipality of Exilles.

In addition to these three interesting walks, shorter hikes are also available in Exilles, such as the tour from Grange della Valle to Rifugio Levi Molinari, a hike above the village of Salbertrand, which is also suitable for families with children, or a longer version of the itinerary, starting from the hamlet of San Colombano.

For two-wheeled enthusiasts, Exilles is also affected by the fourth stage of the Val Susa Gravel Loop, a stage route along the incredible network of former military roads in the Susa Valley. Almost 300 km, 6812 meters of elevation gain and a development between 337 and 2539 meters of altitude.

You can decide whether to ride only part of it as a day outing or to cycle the entire loop, staying overnight in hotels (in places like Sestriere and Bardonecchia) or spending the night in mountain huts and bivouacs at high altitude. A true adventure!