2.049 METERS
Cunéaz Quenéa
Les Fusines Li Fejeune – 1.700 m
Blanchard Biantchart – 1.724 m
Rovinal Rovénal – 1.709 m
Praz-Sec Pra-Sec – 1.700 m
Les Péyoz Li Péyo – 1.725 m
Les Droles Li Drole – 1.757 m
Bernosin Bernozìn – 1.750 m
Mentioned in historical documents as an alpine pasture in 1323, the village of Cunéaz (Quenéa in patois) appears to have been permanently inhabited around 1376. Located at the entrance to the valley of the same name, along the mule track connecting the Val d’Ayas and the Gressoney Valley through the Pinter Pass, the small original settlement expanded in the 14th century during the migration of Walser populations from the Valais who settled in the valley. Historical evidence of their presence can still be found today in several place names of Germanic origin.
In the 18th century, Cunéaz was a large and densely populated center, reaching more than one hundred inhabitants, distributed among sixteen families who lived year-round at such a high altitude. The village, completely self-sufficient, was organized into three districts: the Véla (from the Latin villa, country house), which was the actual center, the Cazà, below, and the Oberdó (from the Germanic term Ober Dorf, upper village), above. It had a mill and three ovens, two of them private and one communal (restored in 1990).
The existence of a mixed school as early as 1783 is also documented, largely funded by the ancient Chapel of Saint Lawrence (17th century).
Alongside the more recent stone masonry houses (18th–19th century), numerous ancient rascards still stand, one of which even dates back to the 15th century, a precious historical and architectural heritage now protected through careful restoration and renovation work.
Map of Cunéaz
Chapel of San Lorenzo
The Chapel of San Lorenzo, constructed in the 17th century, stands as a small architectural gem, distinguished by its simple elegance and the whiteness of its walls that welcome visitors at the entrance of the village. This place of worship, dedicated to the martyr San Lorenzo, once housed a silver chalice dating back to the 15th century, a refined work of chasing and repoussé, adorned with colored enamels that emphasized its liturgical and artistic significance. The history of this chalice is shrouded in an aura of mystery and popular devotion: according to local tradition, it was donated by a woman native to the village who, during her wedding in France at the time of the Revolution, found this precious object among discarded refuse. Upon returning to Cunéaz, she brought it with her, gifting it to the chapel as a symbol of faith and remembrance. This episode, which indissolubly links the chapel to the personal and collective history of the village, reflects the profound connection between sacred art and community life in times of turmoil and change. The chapel, modest in size but great in symbolic value, remains a spiritual and cultural landmark, a silent witness to centuries of religious and popular history.
