Roccaforte Mondovì to Refuge Don Barbera itinerary

Roccaforte Mondovì can be reached by car from Mondovì in around 10 minutes and from Cuneo in 40 minutes. Mondovì can be reached by train from Turin(approx. 1 hour 30 minutes). Buses run from Mondovì to Roccaforte Mondovì in just a few minutes.

Yes, the church of San Maurizio is less than a kilometre from the centre of Roccaforte Mondovì, along the street of the same name. It’s a good idea to find out about opening times before you go, so you don’t miss out on its remarkable 11th and 12th century Romanesque-Byzantine frescoes.

Yes, reservations are strongly recommended, especially in July and August and at peak season weekends. The refuge is a key stage in the Giro del Marguareis and can fill up quickly during the summer.

The Don Barbera refuge is open from mid-June to around mid-October and has 45 beds in rooms and dormitories. Advance booking is essential for weekends in July and August, when numbers are particularly high.

The route is suitable for experienced hikers. Stage 1 is a long, steady climb over mixed terrain. Stage 2 is more technical, with a sustained climb up to Colle del Pas at 2,300 metres, over exposed karstic terrain. Good physical condition and suitable hiking boots are essential.

The ideal period is from June to October. To catch a glimpse of the ephemeral Porta Biecai lake on stage 2, it’s best to go out in late spring, around June, before it disappears with the melting snow.

On stage 1, there is a water source in the clearing at Casa del Sale. Beyond this point, the vegetation becomes thinner and springs are rare. We strongly advise you to take plenty of water, a hat and sun cream with you during July and August.

Yes, several sections of the RivierALP network come together at the Don Barbera refuge, notably from the Pesio valley (Certosa di Pesio) and from Ormea (Ormea to Upega). From the refuge, it is possible to extend the crossing to Mercantour or Liguria on the Haute Route du Sel, continuing towards Limone Piemonte or Menton.

The rifugio Don Barbera is a real focal point for RivierALP itineraries. From this high altitude stopover, there are many adventures on offer! Head west to theValdieri thermal baths and continue on to Castérino, right in the heart of the Parc naturel des Alpes Maritimes. Or perhaps you’d prefer to head for Oneglia, extending the route from the Sanremo refuge to the Ligurian coastline? It’s the perfect way to put together a made-to-measure tour to suit you and your level of ability!

A jewel of 10th-century Romanesque architecture, the church of San Maurizio is home to a string of Romanesque-Byzantine frescoes that are exceptionally rare in Piedmont. These include the famous Judas Kiss, the majestic Christ Pantocrator and the Virgin and Child (Giovanni Mazzucco). A must-see before you leave!

The highest point on the route (b), Colle del Pas is reached after a steep climb from Lake Ratavuloira. Between sky and limestone rock, the panorama of the Marguareis park and the Ligurian Alps is one of the most breathtaking in the RivierALP network.

With its almost lunar landscapes, the Marguareis is one of the largest wilderness areas in Piedmont. Listed as a Natura 2000 site (like the Mercantour), it is home to a particularly sensitive underground fauna. Explore with care!

In the heart of the Ellero valley, the Pian Marchisio plateau rises up unexpectedly. A vast grassy plain at an altitude of more than 1,700 metres – that’s quite something! Close to Monte Mongioie, it’s one of those places you never forget.