Mathi: Local history and routes along the Stura di Lanzo

Mathi offers two distinct focuses to consider when planning your trip: the town’s history and activities on foot or by bike. The tower known as Torrione is all that remains of the medieval castle; at the same time, Mathi is part of a network of cycling and walking routes along the Stura di Lanzo. You can decide whether you would prefer to make your stay more focused on cultural history or on outdoor activity.

Traces of local history

Only the tower known as Torrione remains of Mathi’s medieval castle. The Ricetto is another chapter in the town’s history: on the orders of Prince Giacomo d’Acaia, a shelter for people, animals, and other possessions was built in 1342 to provide protection in times of war. Faint traces of the old Ricetto remain near the parish church along the Bealera, as well as on the paths from Via Rivera to Via Grosso. These details give the Ricetto a concrete connection to local history and to the named routes.

The present-day parish church of San Mauro Abate dates from the 16th century and was built on the ruins of a chapel erected in the late 12th century. Its interior features decorations by local painter Sergio Tappero Merlo. Scenes from the life of Jesus can be found in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, and scenes from the life of the Madonna in the Chapel of the Consolata. The building’s history and the decoration of the two chapels highlight different aspects of the church.

Paper production is also part of Mathi’s development: it dates back to 1836 and Michele Antonio Varetto, and shaped an important area of the town’s development. Mathi’s religious architectural history and industrial history thus stand side by side as distinct topics.

Villa, park, and autumn festival

Villa Bosso-Ahlstrom is a historic villa with its own park. The park of Villa Bosso is used at various times of the year for performances, concerts, and a range of leisure activities. The Sagra della Castagna e dei prodotti d’autunno is a local autumn festival held regularly. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the relevant year.

Getting around on foot and by bike

Mathi is part of Corona Verde Stura, a network of cycling and walking routes along the Torrente Stura di Lanzo. The network is designed for a variety of uses in the spirit of sustainable recreation and tourism. One specific option is the 9 km route from Mathi to Nole along the Corona Verde cycling and walking path; it can be covered on foot or by bicycle. A Corona Verde geo-itinerary along the Stura di Lanzo also passes through Mathi and can be ridden by mountain bike. Check the latest access and surface conditions before setting out. The routes described here therefore differ both in their stated distance and in the uses specified.

Plan your trip and hotel search

Mathi railway station offers an assistance service for people with disabilities and reduced mobility. Check RFI’s latest information about this service before your trip. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Mathi, you can use your main interest—local history or cycling and walking routes—as a starting point for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Maddalena, Valgioie, Colleretto Giacosa, Montaldo Torinese, Plan, San Giorio, Orbassano, Settimo Vittone.

Return to the broader travel overview: Turin.