Basso Canavese: Between the plains and rolling hills
A stone’s throw from Turin
If you come from the south, you can’t help but cross this area of Canavese: a“hybrid” area that encompasses everything north of the great river, the Po, and north of the great city, Turin! And it reaches to the foothills of the first mountainous and hilly ranges.
The plain, only in small part occupied by industry, is mainly cultivated with cereals or grassland, furrowed by watercourses from which branch off irrigation canals that are also of fundamental importance for the natural habitat; but it is a “false plain” because, here and there, it only takes a few kilometers to find oneself on what we call “vaude,” areas raised above the rest of the landscape, made up in turn of plains, small valleys, small canyons, ponds and small lakes.
Economic and historical heart
Lively towns and timeless traditions
It is not surprising that the major population centers of the Canavese are right here, those with the greatest commercial and industrial vocation, those served by highway and railway lines. Just as it is not surprising that here is the international airport serving the city of Turin and, in practice, the entire northwest of Italy.
Centers, however, also rich in history, traditions, and picturesque corners to be discovered.
Here, then, is another face of CANAVESE VILLAGE.
From Sweet Treats to Giant Benches
Experiences between History, Shopping and Nature
Looking for some ideas to fill your days?
- Spend an afternoon in Chivasso, strolling through the beautiful downtown shops under the characteristic arcades, visiting the cathedral, and tasting the town’s famous Nocciolini sweets;
- Discover the Abbey of Fruttuaria in San Benigno Canavese, with its two overlapping basilicas and stunning 11th-century mosaics;
- Explore Rivarolo Canavese, with its elegant and historic Via Ivrea — the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll — and visit the Malgrà Castle with its crenellated walls;
- Wander through the historic center of Cirié, and visit the Palazzo dei Marchesi d’Oria as well as the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, home to remarkable works of art;
- Take a break in nature, relaxing on Big Bench No. 270 in Chivasso, and enjoy the view over the Sabiuné natural area, the river, and the surrounding hills.
Nature, heritage, and thrills
Unmissable experiences in the Soana Valley
Here’s a short list of must-see sights and must-do experiences in this corner of Canavese:
- Take a stroll through Ingria, recently admitted to the prestigious “Most Beautiful Villages of Italy” club — a tiny gem with just 46 residents and 21 hamlets!
- Enjoy a walk to the stunning Pian dell’Azaria, described by Mario Rigoni Stern as “the most beautiful place in the world”;
- In Ronco Canavese, step back in time with a visit to the Copper Forge (Fucina del Rame), where the traditional craft of copper working once thrived, and stop by the Gran Paradiso National Park Visitor Center to discover the valley’s rich biodiversity and heritage;
- Feel the thrill of the zip-line in Frassinetto and see the world from a whole new perspective;
- Take on a rewarding hike up to the Sanctuary of San Besso in Valprato Soana.
breathes dualism
A Gateway Between City and Nature
We’ve introduced you to a region where urban vibrancy meets rural tranquility, where history blends with innovation, and where nature intertwines with economic life.
Here, among charming villages, ancient abbeys, and unexpected landscapes, Canavese reveals a dynamic and welcoming spirit, ready to surprise anyone willing to explore it.
A place to pass through? Perhaps. But above all, a destination to experience.
Our Partners in Basso Canavese
