Chianocco Ravine Reserve

The protected areas of the Chianocco and Foresto ravines, of Rocciamelone and of the xerothermic oases extend over a total area of ​​1421 hectares in the municipalities of Mompantero, Susa, Bussoleno and Chianocco and are part of the Natura 2000 network, between the 3537 meters of altitude of summit of Rocciamelone, down to the valley floor of the lower Susa Valley. They are entrusted to the management body of the protected areas of the Cottian Alps and refer to the Orsiera Rocciavré Natural Park.

The xerothermal oases of the Susa Valley, in the lower part, are characterized by limestone walls engraved by narrow gorges generated by water erosion. Once exploited by man for grazing and cultivation - especially the precious vine - they are now recolonized by groves and shrubs. At higher altitudes the landscape is characterized by some pine forests, largely abandoned strips of chestnut groves, formations of maple-lime-ash trees and small larch groves.

The microclimate is dry and mild thanks to the southern exposure, the strong winds from the west and the predominantly calcareous substrate. A typically Mediterranean area has thus been created in the heart of the Alpine chain, which increases biodiversity and justifies protection based on the European Birds and Habitats Directives. The xeric prairies are rich in spontaneous orchids, some very rare and localized.

Numerous species of invertebrates, rare or exclusive, enhance the regional and European faunal interest. Among land molluscs, Solatopupa similis and Helicigona lapicida are widespread; here the first Piedmontese report of the orthopter Oedaleus decorus occurred and it is common to encounter the large Saga pedo; among the Lepidoptera there is Polyommatus exuberans which had been considered extinct. Xeric environments are also ideal for numerous reptiles including Coronella girondica. The avifauna is represented by over 100 species, including the honey buzzard, the peregrine falcon, the short-toed falcon, the rock partridge, the nightjar, the calander and the greengrocer.

Within the European project Life Xero Grazing two paths have been established: Monte Molaras and Truc San Martino. These help to discover oases' peculiarities and depict natual and human history. Now trekking paths, once were used to work on fields, vineyards, woods, pastures and mountain pastures

The Mediterranean climate present in the area, thanks to the southern exposure of the slopes, the frequent presence of warm winds and the composition of the soil, allows the life of various rare plants in Piedmont and on the pre-Alpine reliefs: the most striking is the holm oak (Quercus ilex), accompanied by Adiantum capillus-veneris, Asplenium fontanum, Thesium divaricatum, Prunus mahaleb, Ononis pusilla and many others.

The holm oak, protected by the Nature Reserve, is an evergreen oak typical of the Mediterranean scrub. Its isolated presence in this Alpine area is considered a relic of the climatic changes of the past millennia when, presumably, the species settled during a phase of milder temperatures, managing to survive in the less favorable periods when, only rarely, the acorns manage to go to full maturation. In this way, around twenty specimens of holm oak have survived to this day, clinging to the steep walls above the ravine.

Numerous varieties of birds nest on the steep walls of the ravine, more than 80 species, which nest undisturbed. In particular the kestrel, the sparrowhawk, the buzzard and the honey buzzard, as well as the common raven, the jackdaw, the mountain swallow and the wallcreeper.

The archaeological interest of the area is linked to the discovery of remains dating back to a period of time ranging from the Eneolithic (4th-3rd millennium BC) to the Middle Bronze Age (around 1500 BC).

At the foot of the reserve, in the town of Chianocco, there is no shortage of notable historical and artistic testimonies, such as the two late medieval strongholds, the Romanesque bell tower of S. Pietro e Paolo dating back to the 11th century and the isolated church of S. Ippolito with 15th century frescoes.