Pavone Canavese: Castle and Nature Trails

In Pavone Canavese, medieval architecture, distinctive landscapes, and local traditions come together. Castello di Pavone and the Ricetto are the historic focal points; the Pavone Medievale and Paraj Auta trails reveal different aspects of the surrounding area. Churches, Carnival, and products listed in the municipal register also provide reasons to consider what interests you during your stay.

Castello di Pavone and the Ricetto

Castello di Pavone was built in the 9th century as a fortified enclosure around a diorite outcrop. It was intended to protect the local population. The castle’s keep was probably built by the bishops of Ivrea in the 11th century. The early fortification and the tower thus represent different periods in the site’s architectural history.

In 1870, the castle was expropriated by the Italian state. Alfredo d’Andrade bought it in 1885 for 7,000 lire and subsequently began restoration work. The Ricetto was built west of the castle, on the same hill. Its location makes it possible to understand how the two historic sites sit side by side on the hill, without conflating their respective histories.

Two trails, different landscapes

The Pavone Medievale historic nature trail starts at Torre Porta. It passes through centuries-old forests and small wetlands. Along the way are large rocks smoothed by glaciers and hemispherical hollows in the rock. Medieval watchtowers, which form part of the castle walls, are also found along the route. Here, natural features and the history of fortifications meet along a single trail.

The Paraj Auta trails offer a different kind of landscape. They first pass through well-tended vineyards, then through deciduous forests on the southern slope of Truc Bunfurnera. At the turn-off to Sète d’la Madona is a glacial moulin. From there, the trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the entire western pre-Alpine arc of Piedmont. While Pavone Medievale connects forests, wetlands, rocks, and watchtowers, Paraj Auta focuses on vineyards, hillside forests, and views.

Churches and local traditions

Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie dates back to the Middle Ages and gradually became a pilgrimage site. Behind the altar is an 18th-century altarpiece depicting the Virgin Mary and recalling the church’s heyday. Chiesa di San Rocco is a national monument. Its described features include elegant Baroque lines inside and curving forms on the exterior.

Carnevale di Pavone usually takes place on the Sunday after Ivrea’s Carnival. The parade includes Castellani, pipers, bands, allegorical floats, riders, masked participants on foot, and carriages; individual editions may vary. If you would like to plan your stay around the Carnival, check the dates for the relevant edition. The Municipality of Pavone Canavese’s De.Co. register for 2025 lists Salame della rosa, Salampatata, Toma di capra, and Tomino di capra.

Things to focus on during your stay

One proposed connection also follows the Paraj Auta trails: Via Campestre is intended to link them with trails already mapped on the right lateral moraine of the Ivrea Morainic Amphitheatre, in the areas of San Martino Canavese and Scarmagno. The route is proposed, and its course may be updated. When searching for a hotel in Pavone Canavese, consider whether you would most like to focus on architectural history, trails and landscapes, or cultural traditions.

Discover more destinations: Didiero, Bricherasio, Caluso, Moncenisio, Sauze D'oulx, Busano, Cavallo, Vigone.

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