Discover Airasca: History, Churches and Cycling Route

Airasca brings together a flat landscape rich in springs, buildings from different centuries, local traditions and a cycling route that connects the town with several municipalities. When choosing where to stay, you can first decide what to focus on: would you like to explore the history of the churches and the Castello della Marsaglia, include the Via delle Risorgive in your trip, or get to know Airasca through its butter-making tradition?

Landscape and former uses

The area around Airasca is extensive and flat, and is shaped by numerous springs. In the past, the Airasca area was included in the “Royal Hunting Reserve.” A flower meadow for pollinators was established and inaugurated in April 2024 at the corner of Via Stazione and Via Valdo Fusi. It provides a specific local detail alongside the broad description of the landscape.

Castello della Marsaglia and churches

Castello della Marsaglia is four kilometres from the centre of Airasca. It is a typical agricultural manor house of the Piedmont plain. The castle is associated with the Battle of 1693, in which Piedmontese troops under Vittorio Amedeo faced French troops under Catinat. The two references serve different purposes: the manor-house description classifies the building by type, while the battle links it to a specific historical event.

The parish church of San Bartolomeo is a Baroque church built in the late 17th century. The Chiesa dello Spirito Santo dates from the first half of the 18th century and is an example of Piedmontese architecture. The timeline therefore spans from the late 17th century to the first half of the 18th century, while the architectural classifications also differ.

The Cappella Navone also brings together architectural and religious history: it is dedicated to the Madonna di Loreto, whom the people of Airasca call “Madona degli autin,” and is considered the protector of their fields and harvests, particularly by farmers. The chapel is documented from 1797 and was built as an ex voto. Recollections of the 1950s and 1960s describe processions from San Bartolomeo to the Cappella Navone, which included prayers, a Mass and the blessing of the fields.

Cycling the Via delle Risorgive

The Via delle Risorgive is a specific option if cycling is a focus of your trip. It runs from Airasca through Scalenghe, Cercenasco, Vigone and Villafranca Piemonte to Moretta, and forms part of the EuroVelo 8 route. The list of towns describes its actual course; its designation as part of EuroVelo 8 also places it within a named cycling network. For the ride between Airasca and Moretta, the route starts in Airasca; before setting off, a short detour to the parish church of San Bartolomeo, with its Romanesque bell tower, is recommended. Check route conditions before your ride.

Local butter-making tradition

Caseificio Brussino Francesco has been operating in Airasca since 1909 and specialises in artisan butter production. The raw butter is made exclusively from centrifuged cream and traditionally worked by hand. For travellers interested in local production, this butter-making tradition offers a specific culinary connection to the town.

Discover more destinations: Borgone Susa, Cuorgnè, Almese, Villareggia, Borgofranco D'ivrea, Poirino, Villar Perosa, Sangano

For the wider travel overview: Turin.