Province TO
Avigliana, TO
A town about 25 kilometres west of Turin at the mouth of the Susa valley, with a well preserved medieval core and two small glacial lakes below it. It has a station on the Turin to Modane line, which makes it an easy half day from the city.
Sights
- Castello di Avigliana, the ruined hilltop castle largely destroyed by French forces in 1691, with views over both lakes and the valley
- Piazza Conte Rosso, the medieval square with a 14th-century well and arcaded houses
- Chiesa di San Giovanni, holding panels by Defendente Ferrari
- Chiesa di San Pietro, Romanesque, with frescoes spanning the 11th to 15th centuries
- Parco Naturale dei Laghi di Avigliana, the protected wetland around Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo
- Sacra di San Michele, the abbey on Monte Pirchiriano and the symbol of Piedmont, a short drive away
Things to do
- Walk or cycle the circuit around Lago Grande
- Climb to the castle ruins for the valley view
- Combine the visit with the Sacra di San Michele
- Swim or rent a boat on Lago Grande in summer
Annual events
June
Palio Storico dei Borghi
Seven town districts compete in canoe racing, bareback horse racing, archery and tug of war, with a costumed procession.
When to visit
May to September for the lakes and walking. The castle and old town work year round and the place does not close.
