Gassino Torinese: Churches, Villa Bria and Routes

If you are looking for a hotel in Gassino Torinese, you can plan your stay around the local architecture and the routes that pass through the town. The themes are quite distinct: Spirito Santo represents Baroque architecture and features made from Gassino marble; Villa Bria offers several historical connections and hosts events; and the Via Francigena passes through the town centre. You can decide in advance whether churches, the history of the villa or a particular stretch of a route should play a bigger part in your stay.

Churches and their history

The church of the Spirito Santo confraternity is considered an important and beautiful example of Baroque architecture. Its bases, colonnade and altars are made of Gassino marble. The architectural style and the material offer two concrete ways to explore the church: you can appreciate its Baroque craftsmanship as well as the marble used in these features.

The crypt in the sacristy of the Madonna Grande church, also known as dei Prati, reflects a different period. Its frescoes depict the Crucified Christ and saints and are dated to around the year 1000. This approximate date sets them apart from the Baroque architecture of the Spirito Santo church. If you would like to visit the crypt, it is best to check access arrangements in advance.

Villa Bria: history and gardens

Villa Bria, also known as La Favorita, was built in 1700 on the ruins of a 13th-century castle. The villa has historic gardens with centuries-old trees and a monumental fountain. Ancient foundations recall 15th-century Castelpiano Castle. The villa therefore brings together several historical points of reference: the castle on whose ruins it was built, and the foundations that recall Castelpiano.

Villa Bria serves as a venue for weddings, corporate events and birthday parties. If you are planning a celebration there, check availability for your preferred date. Access to the gardens is also subject to the venue’s rules.

Via Francigena and Ippovia del Po

The Via Francigena passes through the town centre of Gassino Torinese. Its route goes through Piazza Antonio Chiesa and past the Spirito Santo church and the parish church of Santi Pietro e Paolo. After Gassino Torinese, the route follows the provincial road towards Cinzano for a few hundred metres. Near a right-hand bend, it leaves the road to the left and follows the Canale di Cimena again towards the San Raffaele Cimena plain. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Another type of route is the Ippovia del Po, a riding trail that also passes through Gassino Torinese. It includes an unpaved section that runs briefly along the River Po. The two routes therefore differ in the way they are described: the Via Francigena passes through the town centre and continues towards the Canale di Cimena, while the Ippovia is a riding trail with a short unpaved section along the Po. When planning, it helps to match the relevant details to the route you intend to take.

Discover more destinations: Azeglio, Montalenghe, Piverone, Volpiano, Settimo Torinese, Nichelino, Monti, Parella.

For the main travel overview: Turin.