Montalto Dora: Lakes, Trails and Archaeology

Montalto Dora combines lakes and hilly landscapes with archaeological themes and a local Savoy cabbage tradition. If you are looking for hotels in Montalto Dora, these highlights can help you plan your stay around nature and trails, prehistoric history or tastings at local events. The sites and routes offer different, clearly defined starting points for your visit.

Lakes and landscapes

Lago Pistono is one of two lakes in the Area dei 5 Laghi within the territory of Montalto Dora; the other is Lago Nero. Numerous traces of the Neolithic period have been found near Lago Pistono, including square-mouthed vessels and various stone tools. The area offers both lakeside scenery and tangible evidence of human history dating back to the Neolithic.

At Terre Ballerine near Lago Pistono, the ground is so elastic that it springs back after a small jump, causing nearby plants to move in time with it. The landscape can therefore be described not only in terms of lakes and panoramic views: at Terre Ballerine, the ground’s movement is the main attraction.

Loop trails and other route connections

The “Lago Nero tra miti e leggende” loop trail passes through the hills and vineyards of Montalto Dora before reaching Lago Nero, which lies among steep, wooded hills. From the viewpoints, you can look out over the Canavese area and the glacial lakes. Vineyards, wooded slopes and views of the lake scenery offer different landscape features along the route.

Other routes can also be distinguished by how they relate to the town: Montalto Dora lies along the Via Francigena Canavesana. The Alta via delle colline di Montalto Dora starts and finishes in Montalto Dora. These offer two different points of reference: a route that passes through the town and one that begins and ends there.

Archaeology at Lago Pistono

At the Parco Archeologico del Lago Pistono, you can see full-scale reconstructions of Neolithic structures. The small exhibition room contains finds discovered along the shores of the lake. Visitors can also learn about and handle ancient tools. The reconstructions make the structures easy to understand in three dimensions, while the tools can be handled directly.

The visit includes a guided tour of the exhibition room with an archaeologist, as well as an approximately 25-minute walk to the open-air reconstruction at Lago Pistono. Allow for the stated approximate walking time; it does not refer to the total duration of the visit.

Church heritage and regional tastings

The municipality has included the Chiesa di San Rocco in its church tour, which features visits via an app. This adds a religious cultural element to the prehistoric themes.

Another local specialty is Cavolo Verza di Montalto Dora. A producers’ association currently represents 26 growers. Tastings are offered at local festivals and food events, including Savoy cabbage with Bagna caùda, Savoy cabbage agnolotti and other traditional preparations. If you would like to include this culinary tradition in your travel plans, check the dates of relevant events in advance.

Discover more destinations: Rivoli, Torrazza Piemonte, Bobbio Pellice, San Sicario Alto, Moriondo Torinese, Mazzè, Scarmagno, Albiano D’ivrea

For the broader travel overview: Turin.