Piedmont might be famous for its wine, white truffles and lavish castle, but there's far more to this idyllic region of Italy than meets the eyes. Around 80 kilometers southeast of Turin in the High Langhe hills can be found a relatively unknown hamlet with a history -- and present -- steeped in black magic.

With a population of just 230, Paroldo is a maze of medieval alleys, abandoned stone dwellings and chapels decorated with masks. But the most fascinating thing about this tiny village is, for centuries now, it's been home to a group of shaman women believed to possess healing powers.