Coassolo: Walking Trails and Cultural Heritage

In Coassolo, trails through forests and to mountain pastures are just as much a possible focus of a trip as viewpoints, chapels, and frescoes. For planning, you can distinguish routes by the time required and the character of the trail: from a forest walk of around 40 minutes to hikes listed as taking about three hours.

Trails, Viewpoints, and Different Timeframes

The flat Sentiero della roggia di Bogno is a forest trail that takes about 40 minutes to walk. It ends at a beautiful spot by the river, with a pool where you can sunbathe and cool off. The vegetation may vary seasonally. Another short option for orientation is the Ponte Casassa–Coassolo San Pietro walking trail: the easy route is about two kilometers long and offers views of Turin, the Canavese, and the mountains of the Valli di Lanzo.

For a longer hike, the Anello Castagno–Fuere–Bric di Coppo–Banche circular route follows a scenic track through nature; it takes about three hours. It leads to Piano di Coppo, which offers a panorama over the Po Valley. From Leitisetto, you can continue on foot only for about three hours to the Cialma mountain pastures and the summit of Vaccarezza. From the Cialma pasture, the view extends over the surrounding plain, mountains, and valleys. The two time estimates refer to different routes and destinations.

You can also choose shorter experiences based on the scenery and destination: the Sentiero del Pilone del Merlo passes through striking beech and birch forests. The Cappella della Grata–Mulini Barot e Amoun circular route leads to two mills on the Torrente Tesso. At the “Turcin” mill, you can see the waterwheel, millstones, and water channel; the mill has been restored and fitted out as a business.

The trail from Saccona to Prato Rosso leads to a viewpoint reached on foot via an unpaved track. On the Vaccarezza–Angiolino ascent, the Cialma, Vaccarezza Inferiore, and Vaccarezza Superiore mountain pastures lie along the route to the ridge connecting Vaccarezza with the summit of Angiolino. This gives you a choice of different focuses, from forest trails and viewpoints to named mountain pastures.

Chapels, Frescoes, and Local Traditions

Coassolo has historic frescoes in churches and chapels dating from the late 15th century. The Cappella della Grata is round and surrounded by a walkway that is easy to walk along; it contains numerous votive paintings. In the Cappella di San Sebastiano, the frescoes depict the Virgin Mary with the Child, as well as Saints Sebastian, John, Roch, and Anthony the Abbot.

The Chiesa Parrocchiale S. Nicolao stands on the site of a smaller church dating back to the mid-16th century. It also has an altarpiece attributed to Giovenone, titled “Madonna con Bambino.” The chapels and churches offer several specific points of interest if you would like to explore sacred art as well as the trails.

The Feast of San Rocco in the hamlet of Castiglione includes a lunch and games for children. For chapel festivals, the Priori buy bread, which the priest blesses during Mass. Through the blessing, it becomes “carità” and is distributed to attendees along with a small refreshment. On trails through Coassolo, you can also discover remnants of rural alpine life, including stonework, tools, and traditional crafts. The mountain slopes are dotted with numerous mountain pastures and dairy huts, surrounded by grazing land and a dense network of scenic trails.

Getting There

From Lanzo Torinese, you can reach Coassolo by road; after crossing the Torrente Tesso, turn right. Check the route before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Airasca, Fiano, Rosta, Moncalieri, Vacci, San Giusto Canavese, Bussoleno, Castellamonte.

For the broader travel overview: Turin.