How to Get to Sant'Anna di Vinadio in Cuneo, the Highest Sanctuary in Europe by Car?

Sant'Anna di Vinadio is a high mountain sanctuary dedicated to Sant’Anna and Gioacchino, the parents of Mary, located at an elevation of 2,000m (6,600ft) above sea level in the Province of Cuneo, in Italy.

Where is Sant'Anna di Vinadio?

The sanctuary is situated at the head of the Orgials side valley in the Stura Valley, in the northern part of the country.

Why is Sant'Anna di Vinadio Famous?

Located in the Piedmont region, at 2,000m it’s the highest Christian place of worship in Europe. The Sanctuary of Sant'Anna is built in the High Orgials Walloon, a lateral valley of the Stura di Demonte Valley (Cuneo, Italy), which leads from the village of Vinadio to the Colle della Lombarda. It has been a pilgrimage destination for thousands of faithful over the centuries. At the summit, there’s a large parking lot. Behind the sanctuary, in a former military barracks, you’ll find the Casa di San Gioachino, a guesthouse with rooms and two dining rooms, as well as the San Giuseppe refuge/hostel.

How Difficult is the Climb to Sant'Anna di Vinadio?

The road to the summit is fully paved. Starting from Vinadio (at 900m), the climb is 17 km long with an elevation gain of 1,100m, featuring a mix of bends, climbs, and sections that seem flat. When you first see the sanctuary, the three hardest bends remain, with a slope reaching up to 20%. The road is very narrow.

Is the Road to Sant'Anna di Vinadio Open in Winter?

Located high in the Maritime Alps, the access road can accommodate vehicles up to 10 meters long. The sanctuary sits above 2,000m and is accessible only during the short summer months.