Like water gushing from the rock in Giaglione

"Like water gushing from the rock."

Saturday, July 4th, meet at Pian delle Rovine, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm, walk along the Maria Bona canal.

Sunday, July 5th, meet at the playground in Breida at 5:00 pm for the conference "The Impossible Tunnels." Aperitif to follow.

The canal offers visitors the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in an authentic rural landscape, observing the masterful integration between human work and the natural environment, and discover a precious example of Alpine hydraulic engineering still visible in the area.

The initiative is part of an event organized by the Giaglione municipal administration to commemorate the important hydraulic works that greatly benefited the area in ancient times. Among these, the Maria Bona canal is of particular importance. It runs through the Giaglione mountains and crosses the area along the sunny slope overlooking the Susa Valley, following a path that runs alongside woods, meadows, and ancient cultivated terraces. Its course is set within a traditional agricultural landscape, still visible and fascinating.

Built in the Middle Ages, in 1458, the canal is named after Maria Bona, wife of local feudal lord Andrea Aschieri. Built to bring water from mountain streams to cultivated areas, it has been a vital resource for Giaglione's agriculture for centuries, ensuring the irrigation of fields, meadows, and vineyards. It is a tangible testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of Alpine communities.

It is a simple yet ingenious hydraulic work: a route entirely carved into the rock and reinforced in some places by dry stone walls or stone channels, designed to exploit the natural slope of the hillside.

The Maria Bona canal offers visitors the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in an authentic rural landscape, understanding how water has shaped the life and economy of the village and community. Strolling along its path means retracing a fragment of Giaglione's agricultural history, observing the skillful integration between human intervention and the natural environment, and discovering a precious example of Alpine hydraulic engineering still visible in the area. Furthermore, along the entire route, it will be possible to appreciate the rich biodiversity of the area.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

This event requires a contribution starting from €5. Those aged 18 to 35 can join FAI for the FAI Youth welcome fee of €15, and renew their membership at the same rate.
Visitors will be welcomed at the FAI stand where groups will be formed.

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Municipality of Giaglione - Giaglione