Hi there!
Today we are in a very special place called “Guieiza d’la Tana”, which means “the church in the burrow”…
You oughta know that this breach in the rock is very, very old and probably people used it as a refuge when they arrived in this valley a long time ago.
It is thought that when Waldensians were not allowed to freely profess their faith, they used to hide in this cave to celebrate religious cults.
The internal is impressive and the acoustic of the place is very special: even the lightest noise immediately spreads all over the place!
Despite the beauty of this site and its poetry, probably Waldensians did not use to gather together there: if they had been discovered, they would have been taken to trial as heretics, put in jail and forced to conversion… that’s why a cave with no way out could be a trap to them!
Before obtaining freedom of worship in 1848, Waldensians used to meet together in woods, clearings or other secret places that would allow them a quick escape!
How to get here:
from Provincial Road 161, between Torre Pellice and Luserna San Giovanni, at the roundabout take the road to Angrogna (you’ll also find the traffic signals to Guieiza d’la Tana, Chabas and Vaccera). Follow the road and you’ll get to the main square of San Lorenzo, then continue for about 1.8 km you will arrive in the hamlet of Serre. Turn right until the beginning of the trail with signs “Chanforan” and “Odin”. Continue up to the monument. Continue the walk up to the panels showing the Gueiza, then go down the stone steps and sneak underground!
Do you want to read the tale in Italian ?