Surrounded by an amphitheatre of imposing mountains (the crest line joining the Rocciamelone 11595 ft to the Lamet 11493 ft) woods and splendid falls, the medieval town of Novalesa lies quite at the end of the valley.

Situated at the foot of the important Moncenisio pass, up to the building of the Napoleonic road Susa[*]-Lanslebourg, it had a highly strategic importance for the travellers going to France; the it was a customs post, with more than 150 porters and more than 70 between inns, taverns and stabling.

To this day the memories of its importance crop up and its mayor can evenly say “We are an open air museum”.

From its 8561 ft the Stellina hut overlooks the town and the fine Reblochon cheese is one of the products of its mountain pastures.
(the photo, 34, suggest how to come down from the hut).

To those staying at Novalesa, we suggest to stroll along the delightful roads of the town and to visit the parish church of Santo Stefano, the ethnographical museum, the award-winning Christmas crib, the nearby Novalesa abbey and finally to walk and admire the spectacular falls.

Moreover we suggest driving to Moncenisio (formerly called Ferrera Cenisio) through the old road remounting the valley near the tracks of the “Royal road” built in the 17th century.

for more info:
wikipedia: Novalesa
Novalesa abbay