Macra is an occitan town located in the heart of the Maira Valley; the place name derives from both the valley and the river that runs through it. Formerly known as Alma (Celtic-Ligurian derivation of "balma", meaning cave), it is documented for the first time in an act of donation written between 1155 and 1176; together with the other towns of the valley, it was part of the marquis of Saluzzo, passing under the Savoy control in 1601 with the Treaty of Lyon. In 1928 the town of Albaretto was annexed to Macra. Due to its position, Macra is a perfect starting point for excursions along the mountain paths, mule tracks, Occitan paths and rocky churches. The natural path called "the path of ciclamens" worth a visit.
Sites of interest:
- the Medieval chapel of San Salvatore, dating back to the XII century, was founded by the canons of Oulx by using roughly squared stones. It is preceded by a portico with round columns; inside there are frescoes from XIII to XV century;
- the chapel of San Pietro, dating back to XIII century, located along the old mule track leading to Camoglieres. The interior is rich in frescoes, including a Dance of Death.
- the parish church of Marcellino, dating back to XV century;
- the parish church of Assunta in Albaretto, in Gothic style, with a beautiful stone portal;
- the ancient mill of the first years of the XIX century;
- the wall paintings on the facades of many houses in the villages of Camoglieres and Garini, depicted by the XIX century itinerant painter Giòrs Boneto di Paesana;
- the votive shrines dedicated to many saints;
- the Via Ferrata in Camoglieres (from Camoglieres - 980m- to Crocetta Soprana - 1320m), opened in 2006, will allow you to enjoy a natural landscape of undisputed beauty.