Lanzo Torinese: Devil’s Bridge, Textile Art and Mountain History

If you’re looking for a hotel in Lanzo Torinese, local cultural and natural attractions can help guide your trip planning. They range from the Devil’s Bridge and the lanes of the historic Borgo to textile traditions, pilgrimage history and mountain sports. You can choose the focus of your stay based on what interests you most.

The Devil’s Bridge and geological features

The Devil’s Bridge has a span of 37 metres and is 65 metres long. You can reach the bridge on foot from the access points on Via Frasca, Via Papa Giovanni XXIII and Via Montebasso. The Ponte del Diavolo Nature Reserve covers about 30 hectares and protects geological formations known as “marmitte dei giganti” (giants’ potholes).

The Geo-Itinerary of the Devil’s Bridge explores the rocks of the Complesso Ultrabasico di Lanzo, a fragment of the Earth’s mantle. The shapes of the Tesso and Stura di Lanzo riverbeds are also featured. This geological perspective on the area therefore focuses on rock formations and river morphology.

Trails and views

Along the ridge section of the Anello di Monte Basso, there are views in two directions: on one side, the view extends across the plain of Turin to the hills of Turin and the Basilica di Superga. On the other, you can see the entire lower Lanzo Valley, from Germagnano to Ceres. One possible first leg runs from Lanzo Torinese to the Rifugio Salvin.

The eastern approach to the Trek Calcante starts at the entrance to Parco del Ponte del Diavolo. You can reach it by public transport via the nearby railway station and Lanzo’s Movicentro, or by car via the SP 2. When planning your trip, check transport connections and trail conditions, as both may change.

The Borgo, churches and pilgrimage history

The historic Borgo of Lanzo includes narrow lanes called chintane. Some have survived to this day. Their arches and long, vaulted passageways sometimes resemble pedestrian arcades, giving the lanes their distinctive character.

The present-day Chiesa di Santa Croce dates back to around 1200. From 1353, it housed a hospitium peregrinorum, which provided support to strangers and pilgrims travelling along the Lanzo route to Santiago de Compostela. A wooden representation of Cristo Risorto is also part of the town’s religious tradition: during the festival held every 25 years in honour of the Risen Christ, it is carried through the streets of Lanzo. The Porta e Torre civica di Aymone di Challant dates in its present form from 1329 to 1357.

Textile art and the history of mountain sports

The Museo Etnografico dell'Arte Tessile Lanzese “Ester Fornara Borla” is dedicated to “Arte Popolana Lanzese” textile art, which is typical of the Valli di Lanzo. Its exhibits include a working loom from the late 19th century. The museum is open to the public from April to September on the second Sunday of each month, from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm; group visits can be arranged in advance. As seasonal arrangements may change, check the date before your visit.

The Ecomuseo Storia dell'Alpinismo nelle Valli di Lanzo offers a different focus at the headquarters of the Club Alpino Italiano in Lanzo Torinese. It displays historical mountain sports equipment, including skis from different eras, wooden snowshoes, rock-climbing equipment and ice axes. The two museums therefore have clearly distinct themes: the region’s textile art at one, and the history of mountain sports at the other.

Getting there by train

Lanzo station is served by line SFM A of the Servizio ferroviario metropolitano di Torino. If you’re travelling by train or planning to take the eastern approach to the Trek Calcante, check connections before setting out; transport services may change.

Discover more destinations: Didiero, Nichelino, Agliè, Arignano, Villafranca Piemonte, Cantalupa, Settimo Torinese, Arborea

For the main travel overview: Turin.