The little village Ostana

The province of Cuneo is full of hidden treasures. One of these is certainly the tiny hamlet of Ostana, just 85 inhabitants in the Po Valley, which belongs to the Mountain Community Valli Po, Bronda, Infernotto and Varaita. Ostana is also part of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with full rights.

The entire village is made up of a large number of scattered hamlets, surrounded by the Monviso. Once at the place you immediately notice the unique local architecture, with wood and stone that create agglomeration of houses.

What to do and what to see in Ostana Village

Unfortunately many of the houses in Ostana are not in exceptional conditions due to the abandonment which affected these areas, and would require adequate restoration.

However, tourists can still admire in detail the local architecture.

The Town Hall is situated in the locality of “Villo”: from here continue along the council road that leads to Champanho township. When arriving here you come across a location stud with maples and ashes, as normal in these areas.

Continuing, you first face the houses of Marquet (Marchetti) and then a beech forest. After two small rivers, there are the laburnum and other uninhabited clusters, up to the suburbs of La Ruà and Miribrart.

The latter is perhaps the most characteristic, with its houses leant against each other and seasonal settlements in altitude, called the mèire, with pastures suspended between cliffs and valleys.

Take a visit also to the village of San Bernardo.

Where stands the pretty little church that contains a valuable medieval fresco, recently brought to light.

Another highly recommended route is the way of pastures: to admire them in all their splendor, do not hesitate to go up to Pion de Charm (1650 meters above sea level). Moreover, going high, you will notice a more and more spectacular view: at Punta Sellassa (2036 m) all the Alpine chain with the Monviso, the Rosa, the Cervino, unfolds in front of your eyes, with all its greatness.

No events of great importance, but certainly there are places where to eat well: Enjoy the typical local dish, that is the cornmeal mush of potatoes and buckwheat, which should be served very hot and possibly ‘strengthened’ with cheese, aioli, banho dë cousso (pumpkin sauce) and with the banho from jòous, the “Thursday sauce”, made with the milk residue of the butter preparation.