Loranzè: Castello Rosso and Historic Churches

Loranzè consists of two inhabited centres at different elevations, connected by a road. The road passes through acacia woods and vineyards. The historic centre lies at an elevation of 404 metres on a natural balcony formed by the last glacial moraine, above the plain. This elevation refers to the historic centre. For orientation, the division into two inhabited centres is also important: it shapes the townscape and distinguishes Loranzè from a place with a single centre.

Numerous streams cross the municipal area. Some flow into the Rio Valassa, while others flow into the Rio Ribes. Together with the elevation, vineyards and acacia woods, the waterways add to the character of the surroundings. The road, settlement pattern and waterways describe different aspects of the place: the road connects the two centres, while the streams cross the area and flow into the two rivers named above.

Castello Rosso and its Building History

Castello Rosso is a prominent historic landmark in Loranzè. Its oldest significant surviving structure dates back to the 11th century. During the popular Tuchini uprising, the castle was partially destroyed between 1386 and 1387. The reconstruction after the uprising included corner towers, machicolations, a portcullis at the entrance gate and extensive use of brick. This places the building’s history in distinct phases: the oldest surviving fabric was followed by destruction in the late 14th century and reconstruction featuring the elements described above. At Castello Rosso, the focus is on early building fabric, destruction and reconstruction; the churches add further historical aspects, including construction dates, façade design and visual art.

Churches and Chapels

The Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Lorenzo is regarded as the oldest church in the Pedanea and was built in the 12th century. The present-day Chiesa di San Lorenzo has a neoclassical façade and a bell tower directly adjoining it. A large central fresco depicts Saint Lawrence. San Lorenzo thus brings together its status as the oldest church in the Pedanea, a medieval construction date, its present-day façade design and an image of the church’s patron saint.

The Cappella di San Rocco was built in 1631 during a period of plague and dedicated to Saint Roch, the patron saint of plague victims. It may originally have served as a lazaretto. Its construction date and dedication provide a specific historical context for the chapel; its former use as a lazaretto remains a possible interpretation.

The Cappella degli Alpini was built in 1834 under the patronage of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. The Festa tra i vigneti is associated with it, with the first Sunday in June given as its date. Before travelling, check the exact festival date for the year in question.

The surroundings of the Cappella di Santa Maria also offer a distinctive historic landmark: nearby are medieval ruins known as “Castlass”. The name Castlass refers to the ruins; the chapel is the geographical reference point for their location.

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For the main travel overview: Turin.