Colleretto Giacosa: Giacosa Heritage and a Moraine Landscape

Colleretto Giacosa combines a rich local history with a landscape shaped by the Ice Age. Its defining features include the parish church of Invenzione di Santa Croce, the legacy of Giuseppe Giacosa and a network of self-guided trails. The higher part of the village forms a panoramic balcony overlooking vineyards, orderly stands of trees, orchards, historic vines and vineyard huts. Within the built-up town centre, glacial verrou rock ridges also stand out as towering rock formations. The town is part of the Ivrea Moraine Amphitheatre, the Anfiteatro Morenico di Ivrea.

Church, Bell Tower and Giacosa Heritage

The parish church of Invenzione di Santa Croce was built from 1772 onwards to a design by the architect Sartoris. It stands on the site of an earlier church, originally dedicated to Saint Peter. Access is also worth bearing in mind when getting around: steps and a ramp lead to the church, and the ramp provides access for people with reduced mobility.

The bell tower is probably—at least in part—the oldest building in Colleretto Giacosa. It houses two large bells: one was installed in 1929, the second in 1951. After it broke, the second bell was recast. These dates and the restoration give the tower its own history, distinct from that of the parish church.

Several places of remembrance also evoke Giuseppe Giacosa. Casa Giacosa “La grande Arca” became a meeting place for a cultural circle centred around him. Giacosa is buried in a family plot in the northern part of the cemetery in Colleretto Giacosa. A bronze bas-relief depicting the Muse of Comedy was installed on the occasion of his burial in 1906. The chapel of Santa Liberata is considered a symbol of the town. Together, these places reflect different aspects of the local heritage: architectural history, cultural life and remembrance.

Trails and Landscape

Colleretto Giacosa has a network of seven self-guided trails. They feature information boards, online information, QR codes and trail markers. Some local trails connect with routes in neighbouring municipalities and can be explored on foot, by bike or on horseback.

The landscape can also be viewed through its geological formations and how the land is used. The Ivrea Moraine Amphitheatre provides the broader geological context, while glacial verrou rock ridges are visible in the built-up town centre. In the higher part of the village, vineyards, orchards and historic vines are part of the panorama.

Winegrowing and Events

Colleretto Giacosa lies within the production zone for Canavese wines with the DOC protected designation of origin. The vineyards are also located in an area considered suitable for producing Erbaluce wines. Winegrowing is therefore part of both the regional production landscape and the townscape—for example, through its vineyards and historic vines.

Events also celebrate the area’s cultural heritage. Settembre Giacosiano takes place every year, with installations and events honouring Giuseppe Giacosa and the region. The Giacosa Festival is dedicated to the playwright, poet and librettist Giuseppe Giacosa. If an event is a key factor in your travel plans, check the specific dates before your trip.

When planning your trip, you can weigh up different interests: the history of the church and bell tower, places associated with Giacosa, the trails and geological formations, or the connection between winegrowing and the landscape. Colleretto Giacosa offers both cultural points of interest and opportunities to explore the town independently.

Discover more destinations: Vestignè, Cinzano, Beinasco, Chieri, Corio, Fenestrelle, Sciolze, Cantalupa

For the overview of the wider area: Turin.