Big Bench Val di Scalve

Val di Scalve is proud to host its own Big Bench by Chris Bangle!

Present in various regions of Italy, particularly in Piedmont and Lombardy, the “giant benches” are a growing reality that combines local craftsmanship and initiative and tourism. Installed on July 2, 2020, the Big Bench of Val di Scalve is numbered 96 among the more than 100 benches designed by Chris Bangle as part of the Big Bench Community Project (BBCP).

A few steps from the town of Schilpario, in the area behind the primary schools, the giant bench can be reached by a short and easy trail, which still leads to an unmissable panoramic view!

From the bench, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Val di Scalve, embracing the distant Presolana massif, as well as the steep grassy slopes of Pizzo Tornello, Pizzo Camino, Ezendola, and part of the Campelli mountain range. While the town of Schilpario remains partially hidden further east, you can also see the hamlets of Pradella, Ronco, Barzesto, and even the more distant villages of Vilmaggiore and Vilminore.

How to reach the bench

Once you leave your car near Piazza Cardinal Angelo Maj, go west along Via Torri.

After 300 meters, turn right onto Via Soliva and, near the first curve, take the narrow trail that clearly branches off from the paved road and continues north.

From the start of the trail, the bench is just in a few minutes walk away, in the shade of bushes, along a path that runs alongside dry stone walls and pastures.

The installation is reached by carefully descending a few steps made in the grassy terrain.

Alternatively, you can watch the video at the bottom of the page to help clarify the route to the giant bench!

This is the official path: it is recommended not to access the installation by crossing the meadow in front.

Where to find the BBCP passport and get your stamp

In addition to the fun experience and breathtaking views, you can purchase the BBCP passport as a souvenir of your visit to the Big Bench, where you can stamp it as a record of your visit. Who knows, maybe the stamp from Val di Scalve inspire you to complete the collection!

Here is all the information where you can find your customizable passport and get your stamp:

– Atiesse Tourist Office (Piazza Cardinal Angelo Maj 1);

– Bar Centrale (Piazza Cardinal Angelo Maj);

– Bar Pasticceria Gelateria Dolci di Da.Ma. (Via Torri 27);

– Alpen Chalet (Via Serta 1/D).

What is the Big Bench Community Project?

[Taken from the official website of the initiative]

From Chris Bangle’s Big Benches, now a symbol of the Alta Langa, the BIG BENCH COMMUNITY PROJECT (BBCP) was born to support local communities, tourism, and the craftsmanship excellence of the towns where these oversized installations are located.

The Giant Benches are often known through images, but once you sit on one and experience the feeling of enjoying the view as if “you were a child again,” you live an intense experience to share with others. The benches are made for relaxing, and unlike a chair or armchair, they are wide enough to accommodate one or more friends. Sitting on a bench is a pleasant social gesture, and making good use of all the positive energy that the Giant Benches radiate is the vision behind the BIG BENCH COMMUNITY PROJECT.

The construction of the structure does not require great resources, neither economic nor in terms of raw materials, but it is explicitly requested by the BBCP association that no public funds be used, and that small local businesses collaborate.

Therefore, thanks are given to the following for the creation:

- TecnoScalve technology precision;
- Fratelli Capitanio carpentry;
- Mancini Stefano carpentry;
- Spada Stefano carpentry;
- Grassi Fernando painting and wallpapering;
- GM3 general works, building maintenance, and restoration.