Ru du Mont

Introduction

The Ru du Mont is one of the most remarkable examples of irrigation canals known as 'rus' in Valle d'Aosta, located in the mountain municipality of Ollomont. This traditional irrigation system has played a crucial role in the valley's agriculture, helping to make the cultivable areas of an otherwise difficult territory fertile due to the mountain climate and scarce natural water resources.

Description

The Ru du Mont was built with the aim of ensuring a constant supply of water for the commune's agricultural activities, particularly for pastures and cultivated land. Although the precise date of its construction is not well documented, it is believed that its origin dates back several centuries, like most of the rus in the region, built in historical times when agriculture was the main source of livelihood for local communities.
The construction of these canals required considerable ingenuity and community collaboration, as they had to be dug by hand in difficult and often rugged mountainous terrain. The Ru du Mont is no exception and is a significant example of the ability of local people to adapt and thrive in a challenging natural environment.
The Ru du Mont follows a route that takes advantage of the natural slope of the Ollomont valley, collecting water from mountain springs and streams and distributing it evenly to the fields below. The main channel winds its way through the mountain landscape, crossing rocky terrain, forests and meadows. Along its course, the Ru has been equipped with several small secondary canals that allow the water to be diverted to specific areas according to seasonal and agricultural needs.
These canals, often lined with stone, are maintained through periodic maintenance work, largely carried out by the farmers themselves who benefit from them. The water flowing through the Ru du Mont not only irrigates the fields but also feeds troughs for livestock and small mills that were once vital for the processing of wheat and other agricultural products.
The Ru du Mont has played a fundamental role in the economic development of Ollomont, especially during the periods when agriculture was the municipality's main economic activity. Although agriculture is no longer as predominant today as it was in the past, the ru continues to be an essential element in the management of the territory's water resources.
In addition to its practical function, the Ru du Mont also represents an important cultural heritage for the community of Ollomont. This irrigation canal bears witness to the adaptability and ingenuity of the Alpine peoples, and its presence continues to remind us of the importance of sustainable management of natural resources. Every year, the ru is at the centre of local events celebrating the agricultural tradition and the relationship between man and nature in this mountainous region.
In conclusion, the Ru du Mont is more than just an irrigation canal; it is a symbol of the resilience and tradition of the Ollomont community, and continues to be a vital element in the preservation of the environment and agricultural landscape of this fascinating Alpine valley.