The Fortifications of Assietta
Along the ridge, within the borders of Gran Bosco Park, it is possible to observe the traces of the famous battle of Assietta (19th July 1747 - a significant episode of the War of the Austrian Succession): entrenchments built in dry-stone walls which entirely surrounded Piano dell'Assietta, the mountain of Testa dell'Assietta, and Gran Serin fortress.
At Testa dell'Assietta (2,566m) there is the memorial stone placed here by CAI in 1882 to recall the tragic battle which saw the 7,500 soldiers of Piedmont under general Cacherano from Bricherasio win against the 20,000 French soldiers led by the Sir of Bellisle. According to the legend, still known in Val di Susa, in the mountains beyond Gran Bosco towards the summit of Gran Serin, you can still hear drums rolling and the heavy steps of the French battalions wandering and searching for their leader. Moreover, along the watershed, it is possible to see the 19th-century fortresses built at the times of the Triple Entente (between 1884 and 1890) as defensive structures against France: the fortifications of Gran Seren, Mottas, and Gran Costa.
These places, accessible by following a short itinerary on foot leaving from the road developing along the ridge, can be visited only during the summer, giving the high altitudes of Assietta Plateau (about 2,500m asl). Every summer the Park Authority organizes guided visits to the Fortifications of Assietta led by the Park Keepers.
You can reach the area by taking the SP road no. 173 of Colle dell'Assietta (dirt road), open from July till late September, coming from Val di Susa (across Colle delle Finestre), from Val Chisone (from Pian dell'Alpe in the Municipality of Usseaux), or from Sauze d'Oulx or Sestriere; on foot, follow the stretch Salbertrand-Usseaux of the GTA trail.
