Gilliarey – Torgnon, Italy - Atlas Obscura
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Gilliarey

Torgnon, Italy

High in the Italian Alps, a lonely chapel with a striking view of the Matterhorn.  

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The lonesome Chapel of Gilliarey Gian Mario Navillod
The lonesome Chapel of Gilliarey Gian Mario Navillod
Gilliarey's Chapel during winter Gian Mario Navillod
Gilliarey's Double Sundial Gian Mario Navillod
Chapel's Panorama looking South Gian Mario Navillod
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Welcome to the Santuario Di Gilliarey, a small chapel located in the Aosta Valley, not far from Italy’s borders with France and Switzerland.

The quiet here is amazing. The chapel and its breathtaking view. It is said that a small coin left from a traveler in Giliarey’s Oratory will be paid tenfold in our afterlife. Indeed, it is a kind gesture for the inhabitants that will use the money for the urgent repairs.

A portion of the donations is used to make sure there will be wine for the Holy Mass in the oratory. Since not all wines tolerate well the aging process in Gilliarey, from to time lucky travelers are invited to the sacristy to try out the older bottles.

You can reach this location from Etirol, hiking the path on the side of the Petit-Monde river until a little lake where a small hydroelectric pool was built. By continuing on the large path on the right, you will reach a house named Alpe Comianaz, continuing in the forest. The path will merge with a non-paved road and lead you to Gilliarey.

Know Before You Go

To reach the village and chapel, you will need to hike about 4 km long with 600 meters of elevation. If you keep a slow and calm rhythm, it will take about 4 hours. Mountain boots are advisable, but not necessary during Summer. However, if you try to reach it during the winter months, showshoes are definitely needed .

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Published
January 18, 2022
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