Cinzano: Heritage and Hiking Trails in the Collina Torinese

Cinzano lies in the green area of the Collina Torinese; views stretch to the gentle valleys of the Monferrato and the Alpine range. The landscape and architectural history have shaped the town in different ways. Il Castello includes the castle, the park, former outbuildings and the parish church, forming a historic settlement core separated from the rest of the town. The views describe the landscape setting, while the buildings tell the story of the town’s development.

Il Castello and the Parish Church

The historic area includes the medieval, walled Ricetto around Il Castello. It developed from the 11th century around a large square tower. The parish church of Sant’Antonio Abate stands on a hill at the end of an uphill route from the central Piazza; the path then leads to the castle. This sequence establishes a clear spatial connection between the Piazza, the church and the castle.

The church’s architectural history also spans several periods. An archival drawing from the 15th century shows Sant’Antonio Abate directly beside the walls of the medieval Ricetto. Parts of these walls are thought to have been incorporated into the foundations of the present-day church. In the 18th century, the church was renovated: the nave was enlarged, decorative surfaces were restored and a new façade was built. The possible connection to the Ricetto walls remains distinct from the later structural changes.

Hiking Trails and Views

For the Anello 9 Cinzano loop of the Cammino di Don Bosco, the municipality provides a route description and a map. The trail runs within the municipality of Cinzano. Check trail conditions before setting out. This way, you can use the specific route description and map to plan your trip.

The Superga–Vezzolano–Crea hiking trail covers a different scale: it comprises five stages, including variations, and is 115 kilometres long in total. The Superga–Crea route of the Cammino di Don Bosco passes through Bardassano, Sciolze and Cinzano before reaching the Abbey of Vezzolano. It runs through forests and vineyards and past castles.

Parco Santa Maria also offers its own views of the landscape. From there, the view extends to the Alpine arc, the Basilica of Superga, and the hills of the Collina Torinese and the Monferrato. The park also has a children’s area for children aged 0 to 14, with age-appropriate play equipment. The specified age range is a practical guide when planning a visit to the park with children.

Culture, Sport and Wine

The Biblioteca Comunale – Caffè Letterario is located in a former 17th-century town hall overlooking the Piazzetta del Podio. The building also houses an exhibition hall and a conference room. The piazzetta also serves as a venue for outdoor events, performances and, in particular, readings for children. Alongside the historic buildings, these are cultural spaces that form part of the townscape.

The Centro Sportivo Comunale is open to the public and is located at Via Cassina 3, 10090 Cinzano. Facilities and activities there include five-a-side football, tennis, bocce and walking. As facilities and access arrangements may change, check the conditions before your visit.

Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tastings and tours of the premises offered by Stefano Rossotto in Cinzano. It is best to confirm your visit in advance. Together with the historic sites, the park and the hiking trails described above, this offers a range of options to help you plan a stay in Cinzano.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Banchette, Roure, Almese, Castagneto Po, Germagnano, Front, Orbassano, Pino Torinese.

For the main travel overview: Turin.