Province TO
Carmagnola, TO
A town on the plain south of Turin, historically a Saluzzo and then Savoy possession, and now an intensive market-gardening centre. Its identity is agricultural: the sweet pepper grown here is the town's export and the basis of its largest annual event.
Sights
- Castello dei Marchesi di Saluzzo, the 13th-century castle in the centre, now the town hall
- Collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, built 1492 to 1514 in late Gothic brick
- Chiesa di Sant'Agostino, early 15th century and among the town's oldest surviving buildings
- Palazzo Lomellini, which hosts the contemporary art exhibition space
- Abbazia di Casanova, a 12th-century Cistercian foundation rebuilt in baroque form in the 18th century
- The 18th-century synagogue, a survival of the former Jewish community
Things to do
- Eat the peperone di Carmagnola in season, roasted or in peperonata
- Browse Mercantico, the monthly antiques market
- Cycle the flat lanes toward the Po and the surrounding market gardens
Annual events
March
Fiera di Primavera
Agricultural and commercial spring fair.
April
Ortoflora e Natura
Horticulture and garden show in the first weekend of April.
August to September
Fiera Nazionale del Peperone
Ten days of tastings, cooking demonstrations, markets and concerts built around the local pepper.
When to visit
Late August to early September for the pepper fair and the harvest, April for the garden show and quieter streets.
