At 1116 meters above sea level, it is the 138th art installation of the Big Bench Community Project, the cultural foundation committed to promoting Europe’s most fascinating sustainable tourism destinations by reproducing the benches we all know, but in maxi size.
Inspired by Chris Bangle’s Great Benches in the Langhe, The BBCP was founded in 2009 as an initiative to support sustainable tourism and local communities. How. Through an ever-expanding network of giant benches, located in some of the most beautiful areas of the world and perfect for taking an original souvenir photo or contemplating nature as you never have.
On foot, by bike, motorcycle or car.
You will find the Big Bench along Trail R24, which connects the village of Cheglio (Trarego Viggiona) to Mt. Carza.
From Trarego, simply reach the Büri locality of the hamlet of Cheglio and then follow the R42 trail signs with direction to Monte Carza.
Are you passionate about mountain biking? You are in the right place, the trail is amazing! And don’t worry, if your bike is electric, ask at the Wonderwood Welcome Center (about 100m from the trailhead) and you can charge it for free in the park parking lot.
By car or motorcycle, you can park in the Mount Carza rest area along SP92 Trarego-Piancavallo or, if you are a guest of Grotto Carza and Wonderwood, in the parking lot of the restaurant. The trail to the top of Mount Carza will take you to the Big Bench, just a 20 min walk from the park!
It stems from a love of the bench as a social object and by definition of sharing-in family, among friends, boyfriends or even among complete strangers.
It puts adults in the position of looking at the world like children: from a bench compared to which they are tiny, their feet not touching the ground. Every once in a while it is good to be a child again!
In 2021, it is aimed at supporting local tourism through the creation of new points of interest and artistic and charitable activities.
The bench is open to the public year-round, 24/7.
Sunrise and sunset are the best times, as it is for all the viewpoints: the colors and the reflection on the lake will leave you speechless!
How to dress. No special clothing, but a comfortable pair of shoes will allow you to walk smoothly in nature. A hat, on the other hand, can be useful on sunny days.
Collectors, we haven’t forgotten about you!
At the Welcome Center in Wonderwood, ask for your BBCP PASSPORT to collect stamps from this and many (as many as 398!) other Big Benches scattered around the world.
If you go during Wonderwood’s closed season, no problem!
You can receive your stamp directly at the Trarego Cheglio Viggiona town hall during the days and hours of opening that can be found on the website.