Castagneto Po: Bosco del Vaj and Architectural History

Castagneto Po combines hiking opportunities in the Bosco del Vaj with churches and historic buildings. Rare beech forests shape the natural landscape of the protected area; the trails vary in length, destination, and time required.

Forest and Trails in the Bosco del Vaj

The Riserva naturale speciale del Bosco del Vaj covers 71.50 hectares and is located in the Collina Torinese at an altitude of less than 600 metres. It is one of the few areas in the Collina Torinese where tall beech trees can still be found. Some of these trees reach around 20 metres in height and more than 50 centimetres in diameter—dimensions that bring the distinctive character of this beech forest to life.

Access to the nature reserve is free, but restricted to designated roads and paths. The Bosco del Vaj has benches, drinking fountains, waste bins, picnic and play areas, signposts, and maps. The yellow “Il tempo e la natura” trail is 1.7 kilometres long. From a different starting point, a walk of about 800 metres leads from the lower entrance of the nature reserve along a forest path to the beech tree in the Bosco del Vaj.

Hikes with Different Time Requirements

The Da Galleani alla Riserva del Bosco del Vaj hiking trail lies entirely within the municipality of Castagneto Po and reaches Bric del Vaj at an altitude of 585 metres. The Cammino Romanico Castagneto Po–Riserva Bosco del Vaj circular route takes about 120 minutes; after roughly one kilometre, it reaches the reserve entrance. The two trails can be distinguished by their destinations and the planning details provided for each.

Another option is the educational programme “Il Bosco del Vaj – tra matematica e natura”. It is a full-day circular hike from the centre of Castagneto Po, following an educational trail to Bric del Vaj and back. The activity is also suitable for family groups. For planning purposes, this means a circular route of about 120 minutes and a full-day programme; the times refer to different activities.

Percorso S is a 15-kilometre route that runs exclusively through hilly terrain. It passes through Castagneto Po and San Sebastiano Da Po, taking in their settlements and extensive forests. Its length and route through two municipalities make it different from trails specifically described as leading to the Bosco del Vaj or its entrance.

Churches and Architectural History

The Romanesque and Neo-Romanesque church of San Genesio was founded and built by Fruttuaria Abbey between 1019 and 1150. The surviving parts of the original 11th- to 12th-century building are the central apse, a small northern apse with a crypt, and the imposing square masonry bell tower. San Genesio can be reached on foot from Chivasso in about 40 minutes.

Castagneto Po Castle, also known as Villa Ceriana, has been documented since 1019. Its reconstruction began in 1740 and was completed in 1835. The villa contains a 16th-century-style gallery decorated with carved marble and finely worked stone. Francesco Gonin and Costantino Sereno also decorated several rooms.

The parish church of San Pietro Apostolo was built around the middle of the 19th century in the Neoclassical style. Its features include a painted vault, a large altarpiece, and a 19th-century organ. Regio Fonte, near San Genesio, is another local point of interest: its water is saline and contains bromine and sulphur. The spring is temporarily closed; check its status before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Pianezza, Settimo Vittone, Sant'anna, Vacci, Alpignano, Villar Perosa, Bardonecchia, Oulx.

For the main travel overview: Turin.