Avigliana: Lakes, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Avigliana lies in a natural moraine amphitheater in the lower Susa Valley. Lakes, wetlands and hills shape the natural landscape, while the cultural themes range from medieval fortifications and art to industrial history. If you are looking for a hotel in Avigliana, this distinction can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: nature watching and canoeing offer a different experience from historic buildings and collections.

Lakes, wetlands and birdwatching

The Parco Naturale dei Laghi di Avigliana includes two lakes, the Palude dei Mareschi wetland and moraine hills. The 400-hectare protected area is also a Site of Community Importance. The landscape is therefore made up of more than just the two lakes: wetlands and hills are also defining features of the park.

For birdwatching, Lago Piccolo in the park is considered the best choice. This gives your nature itinerary a specific focus if you are particularly interested in birds. Canoeing is also possible on the lakes of Avigliana. You can therefore consider nature watching and an activity on the water as separate interests for your stay, without treating them as the same thing.

Medieval traces and art

Avigliana’s monumental tourist route includes medieval city gates, towers and defensive walls dating from the 12th to the 15th century. Its stops represent several centuries of building history. Savoy Castle adds to this historical focus: it was probably built on Mount Pezzulano at the beginning of the 11th century and served as the seat of the royal court; the Counts of Savoy had been using it by 1137 at the latest. The probable date of construction and the Counts’ use of the castle mark different aspects of its history.

Avigliana’s art history also spans different periods. St John's Church has 15th-century frescoes and a significant collection of painted panels from the 16th century, particularly by Defendente Ferrari and Gerolamo Giovenone. Here you can encounter two different forms of artistic decoration from two successive centuries.

The Il Vomere Museum houses objects, tools and records of local tradition, which was predominantly agricultural. These objects and tools provide a different perspective on local history from the fortifications or works of art: the focus here is on everyday and agricultural life in the local tradition.

Industrial history and San Bartolomeo

Industrial history is also part of the town’s cultural character. Construction work on the Dynamite Nobel factory was completed in 1873. The former factory is considered one of the most interesting examples of early 20th-century industrial architecture. Its industrial heritage forms a distinct focus alongside the medieval and artistic themes.

Another historical point of interest is in the village of San Bartolomeo. An ancient cloister once stood there and was dependent on Saint Michael's Abbey. This reference to a former cloister adds an ecclesiastical theme to the town’s history, without implying that it was the same as the Church of San Bartolomeo.

Activities for planning your trip

The activities on offer vary in how they relate to the area: canoeing is possible on the lakes of Avigliana, while trekking excursions include Avigliana and the wider Val di Susa. Bicycles can be rented from the Avigliana tourist office. If you plan to rent a bicycle, check availability in advance. This makes it easier to decide whether lakes and birdwatching, cultural history or outdoor activities should take priority during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Chiaverano, Gravere, Chivasso, Montaldo Torinese, Maglione, Usseglio, Cumiana, San Secondo Di Pinerolo.

For the broader travel overview: Turin.