Caprie: Gorge, Via Ferrata and Cultural History

Caprie offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay. At the Torrente Sessi, the focus is on the gorge, canyoning and climbing; the Via ferrata and Vertical Rocca Sella add specific route features to the outdoor activities. Churches and the Borgo di Celle offer a glimpse into architecture, art and religious history. If you would like to plan your trip around a particular interest, consider whether you are more drawn to landscapes and outdoor activities or to historic sites.

Gorge and routes around Caprie

The Torrente Sessi flows into a spectacular gorge near Peroldrado. It is a popular destination for canyoning, also known as torrentismo; the rock walls around the gorge are also suitable for climbing. The distinctive wooden walkways known as “Le Pianche” make it possible to cross the Torrente Sessi on foot.

The Via ferrata di Caprie is open year-round and is also suitable for people trying this sport for the first time. Its upper section is called “Trapezio di Magia” and features a 25-metre-long Tibetan bridge, which can be bypassed. There is a car park on the road to Novaretto; from there, it takes about ten minutes to reach the start of the route.

Among the routes in the municipality of Caprie, Vertical Rocca Sella is the most challenging and is designed for mountain runners. The two options differ in their destination and elevation gain: the “Mezzo Vertical” runs from Novaretto to Celle and covers 600 metres of elevation gain; the “Vertical” runs from Novaretto to Rocca Sella and covers 1,100 metres of elevation gain. Rocca Sella is also a hiking destination with views of the Turin plain and the lower Susa Valley. Monte Caprasio, now called Rocca Sella, lies at the entrance to the Susa Valley, on the northern side of the valley, opposite Pirchiriano.

Other paths and roads are also among the options in Caprie: the ancient Via Francigena passes through the town. There are also numerous cycle routes, as well as paved and unpaved roads suitable for excursions on road, cross and enduro motorcycles.

Churches, Celle and local history

The Parrocchiale di Santa Maria Assunta is distinguished by its Romanesque bell tower. It is one of the oldest buildings in the Susa Valley and one of the few with a crypt. The crypt dates to the 11th century; access is via an interior passage and a steep old stone staircase. The church also has Romanesque frescoes depicting the Virgin Mary and the symbols of the Evangelists.

The Parrocchiale di San Pancrazio is a Baroque church consecrated in 1726. The Cappella del Beneficio Coppo houses an 18th-century polychrome marble altar. The present-day Parrocchiale di San Rocco in Novaretto dates from the second half of the 19th century and is Neo-Romanesque in style; it contains an altarpiece from the school of Defendente Ferrari. The Cappella di San Rocco was built in 1733 in gratitude for the end of the plague.

The small Borgo di Celle on Monte Caprasio includes a church built into the natural rock, known as “la grotta”. The name of the village is probably connected to hermit monks who lived there around the year 1000. Monte Caprasio is also associated with John Vincent: he chose the mountain as a place of retreat. The cult of Saint John Vincent is still celebrated today in the rock chapel in Celle, near the parish church.

Apples and Bertone history

“La mela e dintorni” is dedicated to discovering and promoting the apples of the Susa Valley. Another aspect of local history is the Bertone automotive design centre in Caprie: it has an extensive exhibition of prototypes, which can be visited during events. The new Bertone headquarters was inaugurated on 15 October 1972.

Discover more destinations: Palazzo Canavese, Rosta, Viù, Exilles, Germagnano, Piobesi Torinese, Pino Torinese, Caluso.

For the main travel overview: Turin.