Valle Grana

Grana Valley
Valle Grana
The lowest part of the valley
Location of the valley in Piedmont, NW Italy
Floor elevation	600–2,647 m (1,969–8,684 ft)
Length	around 25 km (16 mi) west east
Geology
Type	River valley
Geography
Location	Province of Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
Coordinates	44°24′36″N 7°18′00″E

The Valle Grana is a valley in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont, northern Italy.

Etymology

The valley takes its name from the Grana stream, a left-hand tributary of the Maira which flows through the valley.

Geography

It is located between the Val Maira from the north and the Valle Stura di Demonte on the south. Starting from Caraglio, in the plain, it has a length of 24 km until the Colle Fauniera (also known as Colle dei Morti), at 2,511 m.

Other comuni in the valley include Valgrana, Monterosso Grana, Pradleves and Castelmagno. In the latter's territory is the Sanctuary of San Magno, a notable religious building at 1,761 m of altitude. The highest peak is the Monte Tibert (2,647 m).

Economy

Valle Grana is the birthplace of renowned Castelmagno cheese, which is produced in the comuni of Castelmagno, Pradleves and Monterosso Grana. Historical records from the 12th century document cheese production in Valle Grana. The tradition of making Castelmagno over the summer is still maintained today, as it favoured natural development of blue moulds, due to cool and humid climate conditions during the season at high-altitude.

See also

• Cottian Alps
• Castelmagno cheese
• Valgrana
• Monterosso Grana
• Castelmagno