Cesana Torinese: Historic Centre, Church and Stone Landscape

The historic centre of Cesana Torinese consists of an older area around the parish church and a second area along a pedestrian street. There are 19th-century buildings and shops there. The town’s origins date back to the Early Middle Ages.

Church and Local History

The parish church of San Giovanni Battista preserves visible features of the original 11th-century church in its three apses, façade and bell tower. Its portal dates from the 16th century and bears the coats of arms of the Delfini family. This means that evidence from two different centuries can be seen side by side on a single building.

The Museo Casa delle Lapidi offers another perspective on local history. The tombstones are on display in a permanent exhibition, and there are also regular temporary exhibitions on folk culture. Ten tombstones are set into a wall and decorated with geometric, religious and plant motifs.

Serpentinite and Fortress Remains

The local rock is also of interest: dark green serpentinite with a dense network of white veins occurs in the area of Monte Crouzeau, Bousson, Roche Noire and Punta Rascià. Its texture resembles marble. Serpentinite was extensively quarried near Bousson and Cesana from 1924/25 until the early 1970s. Its appearance and quarrying history offer two different insights into how this rock has been used.

The Cava di Marmo Verde area can only be reached on foot via a mostly unpaved road. On the summit of Monte Chaberton, at an altitude of 3,130 metres, are the remains of the Batteria dello Chaberton, described as Europe’s highest fortification. Eight towers are still visible; rotating cannons stood on them. The Batteria can only be reached on foot via an uneven mountain path.

The access routes described for these two sites differ mainly in their surface: a mostly unpaved road is indicated for the Cava, and an uneven mountain path for the Batteria. Both can only be reached on foot.

Activities and Visitor Information

Parco Avventura Chaberton is located in the pine forest of Mollieres on the right bank of the Dora Riparia. It features 61 tree and high-ropes elements spread across four courses of varying difficulty. Tree climbing and archery are also available.

The Ponte Tibetano Cesana Claviere suspension bridge is located between Cesana Torinese and Claviere, in the San Gervasio gorges. The route is 544 metres long and consists of three consecutive bridges over the Piccola Dora. The access chalet is by the first roundabout exit at the entrance to Claviere when coming from Cesana Torinese. From there, a downhill path leads to the start of the bridge in 15 minutes.

Fishing is possible along a 4.5-kilometre stretch of the Ripa stream in the Riserva di Pesca Cesana fishing reserve. Between the Rollieres bridge and the Bousson bridge, the reserve includes a no-take section.

Historic Car Event

The Cesana-Sestriere is held every year and is part of the European Historic Hill Climb Championship. If you would like to combine your stay with the race, check the event dates separately.

Discover more destinations: Campiglia Soana, Vestignè, Champlas Seguin, Torre Canavese, Noasca, Rondissone, Borgone Susa, Cuorgnè

For the broader travel overview: Turin.