Ostana, Mountain municipality in Piedmont, Italy
Ostana is a mountain municipality in the Province of Cuneo situated at roughly 1,250 meters elevation, spanning about 16.8 square kilometers of alpine terrain near Monviso peak. The settlement features stone buildings adapted to mountain conditions, with routes connecting nearby towns such as Crissolo and Paesana.
The municipality experienced steady population decline throughout the 20th century until recording its first birth since the 1980s in 2016. This event marked a turning point in the history of this isolated alpine settlement.
The annual Ostana Prize has celebrated literature in minority languages since 2008, drawing writers and scholars from across Europe. This event reflects how the community values linguistic preservation and cultural exchange.
The best time to visit is during summer months when mountain roads are accessible and weather conditions are most stable. Visitors should bring sturdy hiking boots and weather protection, as conditions can change rapidly at this elevation.
The community continues to speak the Occitan language, a rare linguistic heritage maintained by residents in daily life. An ethnographic museum on-site documents these language practices and local mountain traditions for future generations.
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