Machaby
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
The village can be reached on foot by the following access routes:
- from the Machaby car park by footpath (T2)
- from the car park on national road 26 by footpath (T4)
Introduction
The village of Machaby, located in the municipality of Arnad, in the Aosta Valley, is a charming place surrounded by nature and rich in history. Perched on a small plateau at an altitude of about 700 metres, Machaby enjoys a privileged position that makes it a reference point for mountain and tranquillity lovers. Surrounded by chestnut and oak forests, the village overlooks the main valley of the Dora Baltea, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible from Arnad, which is only a few kilometres away, but isolated enough to preserve its serene and unspoilt atmosphere.
Description
The place name 'Machaby' may derive from ancient local languages or from Latin, although the precise etymology remains uncertain. The history of the village is closely intertwined with that of the namesake sanctuary of Notre-Dame de la Neige, a place of worship that has attracted pilgrims for centuries. The sanctuary, located above the village, is reached via an ancient stone mule track and is an example of the profound spirituality that permeates these mountains.
During the Middle Ages, Machaby was an important point of passage and refreshment for those crossing the valley.
The territory around Machaby has interesting geological peculiarities, with gneiss outcrops and rock walls that are now frequented by mountaineers and climbers. Its location between mountain and valley gives it a unique microclimate, characterised by mild summers and winters that are not too harsh for the altitude. Local curiosities include the legend of a mysterious figure appearing in the woods during full moon nights, a story handed down by village elders for generations.
Getting to Machaby is a pleasant experience for both those who enjoy driving and those who prefer hiking. From Arnad, you follow a road that climbs gently through vineyards and forests to the car park below the village. For hikers, on the other hand, there is a path that climbs the hill via an ancient paved path, which winds its way through chestnut groves and offers panoramic views of the valley. The walk, of moderate difficulty, takes about an hour from the base of the valley.
Among the personalities linked to Machaby is the poet Joseph-Marie Henry from Valle d'Aosta, who often drew inspiration from the beauty and tranquillity of the village. His connection with this place contributed to the reputation of Machaby as a refuge for artists and thinkers.
Information
Height: 721m
Alternative name: -
Populated:in the summer season