Italy’s Way of Saint Anne – a journey through faith and tradition

Pilgrims have travelled along the Way of Saint Anne (Cammino di Sant’Anna) since the 15th century and it’s still a popular hiking route for many residents of Cuneo, a town in the Italian Alps. Every year, villagers traditionally walk the Way at night to reach the sanctuary. Not everyone who walks this ‘adventure’ does so for faith but for community spirit and reaching a common goal. Located at 2,035 metres (6,680 ft) above sea level, close to Colle della Lombarda Italy-France border pass, Sant’Anna di Vinadio is the highest sanctuary in Europe.

This Collection is divided into four stages which you can adjust to suit you. The hike begins in Cuneo, a provincial capital rich in history, before continuing towards the wide Stura Valley, through small villages and hamlets abandoned after economic boom. Finally, you arrive at Sant, Anna di Vinadio, surrounded by high peaks. This is a great ‘warm up’ hike, ideal if you want to tackle a longer and more technical route in the future. You’ll also experience daily life in the mountains and its Alpine customs and traditions.

Cuneo is an hour train ride from Torino Porta Nuova. You can also catch a bus from Torino Lingotto via Saluzzo (GrandaBus lines 91T/91). The Way of Sainte Anne starts directly in front of the train station.

I recommend this route between mid-June and mid-September (the sanctuary closes around 20th September). Valley access is also closed towards the end of October when snow arrives and avalanches are a risk.

For a small fee, collect your hiking pass from the ATL del Cuneese, Cuneo’s tourist info. This pass gets you discounts throughout the region and helps to keep the paths clean and well marked.

You can spend the night in accommodation or campsites in various places en route. Here’s a handy list: visitstura.it/sport-e-natura/il-cammino-di-santanna/dove-dormire. Pack your rucksack, breathable hiking clothing, warm clothes, a waterproof, water bottle, energy bars, sturdy boots and poles.

When you arrive at the sanctuary, don’t forget to collect your testimonial (Testimonium), a certificate that confirms your completion of the Way of St Anne.

For the return journey, you can book the shuttle service by contacting the Sant'Anna Refuge: santannadivinadio.it