Welcome to Avigliana!
Located between the hills and Lake Avigliana, our town offers a wide range of activities, whether you love nature or are looking for a bit of history and culture.
Here are some things you can do during your stay.
Lago Grande
Lago Grande
Lago Grande is a swimmable lake where you can relax and take a refreshing dip on warm days. Its clean, crystal-clear waters make it perfect for a swim during the summer. If you prefer to stay dry, you can still enjoy the lake by taking a stroll along its shores or renting a boat or a pedal boat for a scenic ride while admiring the surrounding landscape.
Lago Grande is also an excellent spot for a picnic, offering wide green areas where you can enjoy an outdoor meal.
Lago Piccolo
Unlike Lago Grande, Lago Piccolo is a protected nature reserve and not suitable for swimming. This lake serves as a habitat for a variety of animal and plant species, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. If you enjoy wildlife observation, Lago Piccolo is the perfect place to walk along its surrounding trails and experience the peace of unspoiled nature.
Walking and Hiking
There are numerous trails that allow you to explore the natural beauty of the area. One of the most breathtaking routes leads to the Sacra di San Michele, an ancient monastery perched atop a mountain overlooking the valley. This trail offers spectacular views of Lago Grande and the rolling hills around Avigliana, making it a must-do for hiking enthusiasts.
Avigliana Piazza Conte Rosso
Avigliana’s historic center is rich in history and charm. Walking through its streets, you’ll immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a town that proudly preserves its medieval past while embracing a modern touch. Here are some must-see spots:
Piazza Conte Rosso
The heart of Avigliana, this historic square is a true example of medieval architecture. Surrounded by stone façades and arch-covered walkways, Piazza Conte Rosso is a fascinating place where you can admire the beauty of a town that has preserved its medieval layout.
Not far from the square stands the Clock Tower, a medieval structure and one of Avigliana’s most recognizable landmarks. With its unique character and welcoming atmosphere, the square is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee, take a leisurely walk, or simply relax while admiring the historic architecture.
Church of San Giovanni
A remarkable example of Romanesque architecture, this church features ancient frescoes that decorate its interior. As one of Avigliana’s most significant religious sites, it offers insight into the city’s rich religious and cultural history.
Giardino delle Donne (Women’s Garden)
A peaceful and picturesque corner, this small public garden is dedicated to the celebration of women. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing break surrounded by nature and provides a unique perspective on the city’s cultural identity.
Ceramic Workshops
Avigliana is also known for its artisan traditions, particularly ceramics. As you stroll through the center, you’ll find several ceramic workshops where local artists create and sell unique handcrafted pieces, including vases, plates, and decorative objects. If you’re looking for an authentic souvenir, these workshops are the perfect place to find a special gift.
The Castle of Avigliana
The Castle of Avigliana, perched above the town, is one of the most fascinating historical sites in the area, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Susa Valley and the surrounding mountains. This medieval fortress dates back to the 12th century and was originally built for defensive purposes, strategically positioned to control access to the valley and protect the territory. The castle played a significant role in the history of Avigliana and the nearby valleys, changing hands multiple times and undergoing various modifications over the centuries.
History and Architecture
The castle’s location on a hill overlooking the town provided an excellent vantage point for spotting potential enemies and defending the settlement below. During the Middle Ages, it served as the residence of noble families who used it both as a home and a military stronghold. Over time, the castle lost its defensive function, but its imposing structure and historical charm make it an intriguing site to visit today.
The Castle of Avigliana is a significant example of medieval architecture, featuring thick walls, towers, and gates that tell the story of centuries of battles, alliances, and political changes. Although many of its original structures have been lost or damaged over time, the castle still preserves its impressive layout, offering stunning panoramic views. Visitors can explore the remains of the defensive walls, the inner courtyard, and the walkways that were once used for protection.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Beyond its historical significance, the castle is also an excellent starting point for hikes in the surrounding woods. Trails leading from the castle take you through pristine natural landscapes, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and admire breathtaking views of the valley and mountains. These paths cater to both casual walkers and experienced hikers, offering a range of routes from easy strolls to more challenging treks.
One of the most iconic landmarks of Piedmont, the Sacra di San Michele is an ancient monastery perched atop a mountain, offering breathtaking views of the Susa Valley. This extraordinary site is not only a place of historical and religious significance but also an ideal destination for a scenic walk, a hiking excursion, or simply an opportunity to immerse yourself in its thousand-year-old history.
How to Get There
The Sacra di San Michele can be reached by car or on foot, but the hiking trail is an unmissable experience for trekking enthusiasts. A panoramic path starts from Avigliana and ascends toward the monastery, offering increasingly spectacular views of the valley as you climb. The trail is quite challenging, but the effort is rewarded with stunning landscapes and the unique atmosphere surrounding the monastery.
The Via Ferrata
For those seeking an even more adventurous experience, the Ferrata della Sacra di San Michele is an ideal activity. This equipped climbing route allows you to ascend the mountain safely, using cables and metal ladders fixed into the rock. The via ferrata is suitable for experienced hikers and provides a thrilling experience, with spectacular views and a chance to connect with the mountain in a direct and engaging way. Proper physical preparation and appropriate gear are essential, but the reward of reaching the top and admiring the Sacra di San Michele up close is truly unforgettable.
Events and Guided Tours
The Sacra di San Michele frequently hosts cultural events, concerts, and guided tours that delve into the fascinating history of this ancient monastery, which dates back to the year 1000. Guided tours offer a great opportunity to uncover the historical and religious secrets of the site. Additionally, at certain times of the year, religious ceremonies and special events take place, adding even more charm to this already extraordinary landmark.
The Nobel Dynamite Factory
Archive images
Another site of great historical interest near Avigliana is the Nobel Dynamite Factory, founded in 1864 by Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. This industrial facility was one of the leading explosive manufacturers in Italy and played a crucial role during both industrial and wartime periods, significantly contributing to the region’s economic and technological history.
Although the site is now partially decommissioned, visitors can explore the history of industrial production and wartime technology from that era. While not all the original structures remain, some areas of the dynamite factory have been preserved and are open to the public. A small museum tells the story of Nobel and his factory, offering a fascinating insight into his legacy and the global impact of his invention.
Hiking Around the Nobel Dynamite Factory
The Nobel Dynamite Factory is also an ideal starting point for hikes in the surrounding woods, which feature breathtaking landscapes and natural trails. The area is perfect for leisurely walks, where history and nature intertwine, creating a unique and fascinating atmosphere. Additionally, some hiking routes pass near the old industrial structures, adding an extra layer of historical interest to the experience.
Address:
Via Galiniè, 38 (Zona Industriale Ovest - Piazzale Modesto Abelli) - 10051, Avigliana
Phone: 011 931 1873
Website: turismoavigliana.it
Email: ufficioiat@turismoavigliana.it
If your stay coincides with the winter season, Avigliana is an ideal base for ski lovers. Just a one-hour drive from the town, you can access renowned ski resorts in the Cottian Alps:
Sestriere: One of the most famous resorts in the Susa Valley, Sestriere offers a vast ski area with slopes for all difficulty levels. You can enjoy alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and much more.
Cesana: Torinese: Adjacent to Sestriere, Cesana Torinese is another perfect skiing destination, offering less crowded slopes and opportunities for freeriding.
Sauze d’Oulx: Located just a few kilometers from Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx is known for its lively après-ski scene and a variety of slopes.
The ski resorts are also easily accessible by train! From Avigliana station, you can take a train to Oulx, which serves as a convenient starting point for reaching Cesana Torinese, Sestriere, and Sauze d’Oulx. The train ride offers breathtaking views of the mountains, allowing you to enjoy the scenic landscape along the way. Additionally, during the winter season, direct trains connect Avigliana with the ski resorts.
Furthermore, these ski areas are connected by a system of ski lifts and cable cars, making it easy to move between different locations. If you’re passionate about skiing, you can take advantage of discounts on ski passes and equipment rentals available at the resorts.
Mole Antonelliana - Museo del Cinema
Avigliana is also a great starting point to visit other cities and attractions nearby:
Turin: Just 30 minutes by car, the capital of Piedmont is a city full of history, art, and culture, perfect for a day trip. Here you can visit iconic places like the Mole Antonelliana, which houses the National Cinema Museum, the Egyptian Museum, one of the most important in the world, and the Royal Palace, the residence of the Kings of Sardinia. Turin is also famous for its historic cafés, markets (like the Porta Palazzo market), and walks along the Po River. If you love shopping, the Quadrilatero Romano is the perfect district, with boutiques and local craft shops. In winter, don’t miss the Christmas Village, which will include an Ice Skating Rink, a Christmas market, Santa’s Igloo, animations, and live music. The event takes place in the beautiful Turin square from December 7, 2024, to January 6, 2025, in Piazza Solferino. In the summer, you can relax in the Royal Gardens or along the Po River, enjoying breathtaking views of the city.
Susa: About 20 minutes by car, Susa is a historic city with an extraordinary Roman heritage, including the famous Arch of Augustus and the Roman Theatre, which highlight the importance of the ancient city as a commercial and cultural center.
Rivoli: Rivoli is a charming town near Turin where history and art blend in a scenic setting. You can admire the majestic castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which houses one of the most prestigious contemporary art museums in Europe. Strolling along Via Maestra, a historic street leading to the castle, you’ll discover 17th-century churches and elegant cafés. You can also visit the Casa del Conte Verde, a beautiful example of 15th-century Piedmontese architecture, and enjoy the cultural events and exhibitions held throughout the year.
Seasonal events: Throughout the year, Avigliana hosts numerous cultural events, including the Music Festival, the Spring Fair, the Christmas Market, and the Avigliana Fair, which celebrates local traditions and craftsmanship.
In June, the picturesque Palio di Avigliana takes place, featuring a historical reenactment. It’s an event that involves the entire city and culminates in a spectacular fireworks display.
In July and September, the highlight of the evenings in Avigliana (and not only in Avigliana but also in some neighboring towns) is the DUE LAGHI JAZZ FESTIVAL, which in 2025 will celebrate its 32nd edition.
This festival will bring the music of talented international jazz artists to our beautiful historic center.
DUE LAGHI JAZZ FESTIVAL: info@jazzfest.it – www.jazzfest.it
You can’t leave Avigliana without trying the local cuisine!
Restaurants and trattorias: In the center of Avigliana, you’ll find numerous restaurants serving typical Piedmontese dishes such as truffle risotto, tajarin (thin tagliatelle), and bagna cauda (a dipping sauce made with garlic, anchovies, and oil, traditional in Piedmontese cuisine).
Piedmontese wines: Don’t forget to taste the local wines, such as Barbera or Nebbiolo, in the many restaurants and wine shops in the area..
By car: Avigliana is well connected via the A32 motorway, which links it to Turin and France.
By train: The Avigliana train station is easily reachable from Turin in about 30 minutes by train. From the Avigliana station, you can take a train to Oulx, where direct trains depart for ski resorts like Cesana Torinese, Sestriere, and Sauze d’Oulx.
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