{"id":69731,"date":"2026-11-12T08:30:37","date_gmt":"2026-11-12T07:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/?p=69731"},"modified":"2026-11-12T08:31:20","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T07:31:20","slug":"what-see-avigliana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2026\/11\/what-see-avigliana\/","title":{"rendered":"What to See in Avigliana: Medieval Village, Lakes and Nature Near Turin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Just a few kilometres from Turin<\/a><\/strong>, at the entrance to the Susa Valley<\/strong>, Avigliana<\/strong> is a destination that combines lakeside landscapes, medieval history and nature trails. Its territory is characterised by two glacial lakes, a historic centre rich in architectural heritage and a nature park that protects valuable habitats and biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, you can spend a day walking along the shores of Lago Grande<\/strong>, watching waterbirds at Lago Piccolo<\/strong>, exploring the narrow streets of the old town and reaching the ruins of the castle<\/strong> overlooking the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avigliana is also an excellent destination for a car-free day trip: it is easily reached by train<\/strong> from Turin, and bus connections make it possible to continue your journey towards the lakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are planning a visit to Piedmont<\/a>, here is what to see in Avigliana and how to discover the best of this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. The Avigliana Lakes and Nature Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo are the natural heart of Avigliana. Both are of glacial origin and were formed as the glaciers that shaped the Susa Valley during the last Ice Ages retreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two lakes are part of the Avigliana Lakes Nature Park<\/strong>, a protected area of approximately 400 hectares that also includes moraine hills and the Mareschi marshland. This diverse environment is home to different ecosystems and numerous animal species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lago Grande<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lago Grande is the more popular of the two lakes. Its shores are equipped for outdoor activities and, during the warmer months, become a favourite spot for anyone looking to spend a few hours by the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along the lake, you will find floating walkways<\/strong> that allow you to stroll close to the water’s surface and enjoy the landscape from a unique perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the summer, swimming is permitted in designated areas. The sailing clubs and businesses around the lake also offer water sports and, subject to availability, rentals of canoes<\/strong>, kayaks<\/strong> and other boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lakeside promenade is also a pleasant place for a leisurely walk, a scenic break or a picnic<\/a> in the designated areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lago Piccolo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A short distance from Lago Grande, Lago Piccolo offers a quieter atmosphere and a particularly interesting natural environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surrounded by vegetation, woodland and reed beds, it is one of the best places in the park for birdwatching<\/a>. Here, you can spot several species of waterbirds, including grey herons, Eurasian coots, mallards and great crested grebes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lago Piccolo is particularly interesting during migration and nesting seasons, when the presence of birds highlights the ecological value of this habitat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When visiting, it is important to respect the wildlife, stay on designated paths and avoid approaching nesting areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A tip:<\/strong> bring a pair of binoculars. You will be able to observe the lake’s wildlife without disturbing its natural habitat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For information about trails and visiting guidelines, you can consult the Avigliana Lakes Nature Park<\/a> website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Avigliana’s Medieval Village<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Leaving the lakes behind and heading uphill towards the upper part of the town, you will reach Avigliana’s historic centre, a medieval village that still preserves numerous traces of its past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you walk through its streets, you will come across cobbled lanes, ancient arcades, fa\u00e7ades decorated with terracotta details and historic buildings that tell the story of the town and its inhabitants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to discover it is to take your time and follow the little streets winding around the squares and historic buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Piazza Conte Rosso<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The heart of the old village is Piazza Conte Rosso, named after Amedeo VII of Savoy, who was also known as the Red Count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the centre of the town’s commercial life during the Middle Ages, the square still preserves the distinctive pointed arches of the arcades in buildings dating from the 13th to the 15th centuries, as well as a monumental stone well dating back to the 14th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is one of the most picturesque corners of Avigliana, an ideal place to stop and admire the architectural details or enjoy a break at one of the caf\u00e9s and restaurants overlooking the square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Church of San Giovanni<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just a few steps from Piazza Conte Rosso stands the Church of San Giovanni, a medieval building that houses an important artistic heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside, you can admire 15th-century frescoes, early 16th-century paintings by Defendente Ferrari and Gerolamo Giovenone, and a fine carved wooden pulpit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The church is an interesting stop for anyone wishing to explore the artistic and religious history of the Susa Valley. Opening hours may vary, so it is advisable to check in advance before visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Casa della Porta Ferrata<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Among the village’s most distinctive historic buildings is Casa della Porta Ferrata, located on Via Porta Ferrata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its fa\u00e7ade preserves important features of medieval architecture, including a portico with pointed arches, terracotta decorations and three-lobed mullioned windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The carved details and decorations bear witness to the architectural richness Avigliana achieved between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The building is so significant that Alfredo d’Andrade used it as a model for the Medieval Village of Turin, created for the 1884 Italian General Exhibition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Avigliana Castle: Panoramic Views of the Town and Lakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The ruins of Avigliana Castle stand on the summit of Monte Pezzulano, one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fortress was commissioned in 942 by Arduino Glabrione, Marquis of Turin, and for centuries served as an important strategic stronghold for controlling the Susa Valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the centuries, the castle was expanded and transformed into a fortress. It was finally destroyed in 1691 by the French troops of Marshal Catinat, and today only its evocative ruins remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Reach the Castle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The castle can be reached on foot from the historic centre by following the uphill streets leading towards Monte Pezzulano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the Piazza Conte Rosso area, head towards Via Norberto Rosa and the square at the foot of the fortress. From there, it takes approximately 15 minutes on foot to reach the ruins, following an uphill dirt track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The walk requires comfortable shoes and a little care, especially after rainfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with views over the medieval village, the two lakes and the mountains of the Susa Valley. On clear days, the panorama is particularly impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When is the best time to go up?<\/strong> Late afternoon, when the light brings out the beauty of the landscape and the mountains surrounding Avigliana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Sacra di San Michele and the Surrounding Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Sacra<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A visit to Avigliana can also be an opportunity to discover one of Piedmont’s best-known landmarks: the Sacra di San Michele<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perched on Monte Pirchiriano<\/strong>, at an altitude of approximately 960 metres, this ancient abbey<\/strong> overlooks the Susa Valley and is one of the area’s most iconic landmarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded in the late 10th century, the Sacra is a fascinating architectural complex, featuring an imposing fa\u00e7ade, the Staircase of the Dead and an abbey church that preserves important artistic and historical treasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The surrounding landscape is equally appealing: woodland, trails and scenic viewpoints make the visit enjoyable for anyone who loves walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get to Sacra di San Michele<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Sacra can be reached by car, public transport or on foot via several hiking routes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the historic routes is the Sentiero dei Principi (Path of the Princes)<\/strong>, marked as Trail 501<\/a>. It starts in the Mortera hamlet of Avigliana and leads to the abbey in approximately one and a half hours of walking, with an elevation gain of around 300 metres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note:<\/strong> at the time of writing, in November 2026, the Sentiero dei Principi is closed due to construction work along the section affected by the Mortera building site. The closure is expected to remain in place until March 2027. Before planning a hike, it is therefore important to check for updates and choose an alternative route that is open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who prefer public transport, a combined train<\/strong> and bus service from Turin<\/strong> is available during certain periods of the year, with a stop at Avigliana railway station. This is a seasonal service, so timetables should be checked on the official website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A visit to the Sacra deserves a few hours. Before setting off, check the opening hours, tickets and visitor information<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. The Nobel Dynamite Factory: A Journey into Industrial Archaeology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Avigliana also preserves a lesser-known but fascinating part of its industrial history: the Nobel Dynamite Factory (Dinamitificio Nobel)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The complex was one of the most important explosives manufacturing plants of the 20th century and is now a valuable example of industrial archaeology<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The buildings, tunnels, blasting chambers and air-raid shelter tell an important story about the town’s economic and social history, as well as the difficult working conditions experienced by those employed at the factory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The museum is currently closed to the public for restoration and enhancement works. Some special visits are planned as part of dedicated events, so it is worth checking for possible openings before organising your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For updates, visit the Nobel Dynamite Factory page on the Municipality of Avigliana’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. What to Eat in Avigliana: The Flavours of the Susa Valley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A visit to Avigliana is also an opportunity to discover Piedmontese cuisine and local products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local gastronomy reflects the rural and mountain traditions of the Susa Valley, with simple dishes and ingredients linked to the seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the specialities to look for in the area’s restaurants and traditional trattorias include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n