Discover Pavarolo

Pavarolo is shaped by its historic buildings and the art of the Casorati family. Felice Casorati and Daphne Maugham chose the town as a summer retreat in 1930. Those interested in this connection can also find various points of reference in the townscape and its named cultural sites.

Castle, tower and sacred art

The Castello di Pavarolo is first mentioned in a document issued by Emperor Henry III in 1047. Originally used as a military outpost, it later became a noble residence; today it is privately owned. The historical features described include a painted coffered ceiling attributed to the Maestro di Montiglio and dated to 1350/1360, as well as walls with Anglo-floral Neo-Gothic decorations. The ceiling is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved in Piedmont.

In the historic town centre, the Torre di Pavarolo stands between the castle and the parish church of Santa Maria dell'Olmo. The church is right next to the tower and is a three-nave building. The Torre, an old bell tower, stands apart from the surrounding buildings; a passageway runs through its ground floor. The two structures thus differ both in function and in form.

The Cappella di San Defendente also preserves a distinct part of the town’s history: it houses votive offerings from local residents, including around fifty painted panels depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The oldest surviving example dates to 1728. The approximate number of panels and the age of this one offer a concrete insight into the collection’s scale and historical depth.

Casorati connections in the town

The Casorati Trail runs at the foot of the Torre. Six works by the Casorati family have been reproduced on glass and displayed along the town’s streets. Numerous mosaics also recall the historic “Felice Casorati a Pavarolo” art biennials. To place these artistic connections in context, it is also worth visiting the Studio Museo Felice Casorati: it opened to the public on 22 October 2016 with an exhibition of Felice Casorati’s lithographs curated by Francesco Poli. Since the studio was converted into a museum, various exhibitions have been held there every year, bringing artists into dialogue with Casorati’s art.

Cammino Don Bosco and the landscape

The Cammino Don Bosco passes through Pavarolo along two described routes. The high-altitude route follows the Superga–Crea trail and runs through Bric Croce, Pavarolo, Bardassano, Sciolze and Cinzano. The mid-altitude route, also known as Lago di Arignano, follows the high-altitude route as far as Bric Croce, then continues via Baldissero Torinese, Pavarolo, Montaldo, Marentino and Arignano. The shared reference to Bric Croce and Pavarolo helps distinguish the two routes; the mid-altitude route is also identified by its alternative name and the rest of its course.

The municipality includes cultivated fields, deciduous woods, meadows and vineyards. In the more undulating, hilly areas, remnants of the forests remain—forests that covered a significant part of the municipal area until not so long ago. The Giardino degli Artisti adds to this connection with the landscape as a botanical trail for all ages that showcases plants and landscapes. It is near the Studio Museo Felice Casorati, at a viewpoint of significant scenic value.

The Giardino degli Artisti visitor policy allows free visits on the opening days of the Museo-Studio Casorati, as well as guided visits throughout the year by reservation. Check current visiting options before planning your visit. This will help you choose between visiting on a scheduled opening day or taking a reserved guided tour.

Local traditions and getting around

The Sagra della Brigna Purin-a takes place in the last ten days of June; the exact dates may vary from year to year. The Festa patronale di San Secondo is celebrated on the last weekend of August. If you would like to plan your trip around either period, check the dates of the events. The Brigna Purin-a from Pavarolo, also known as Prugna di San Giovanni, is a small, sweet, wine-coloured plum. The product’s name and characteristics offer a distinct connection to local tradition, whether or not your stay coincides with one of the festivals mentioned.

Pavarolo’s centre can be reached from Baldissero, Cordova and Bardassano. These three place names add practical arrival information to the cultural and landscape themes.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Carella, Bibiana, Ceres, Pavone Canavese, Pragelato, Cebrosa, Traversella, Valgioie.

Back to the main travel guide: Turin.