Discover Pianezza

Pianezza brings together the history of the Dora Riparia, sacred architecture, pilgrimage traditions and a protected river landscape. This gives your stay several possible focuses: you can explore churches and historic routes, or include nature-related sights.

Pieve, the Dora and the Via Francigena

The Pieve di San Pietro stands just above the Dora. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, and numerous Roman finds have been made at the site. Roman archaeological history and a medieval religious building thus come together here. The Via Francigena ran along the Dora towards the Alpine valleys, providing another historic connection to the river.

Pianezza Castle also stood in a strategic position above the Dora on the Via Francigena, where it controlled the route. The surviving remains include underground structures and parts of the outer bastion, including the Galleria di Maria Bricca. Local tradition tells that Maria Bricca led a prince and 55 grenadiers through secret passageways into the castle. This story is part of local tradition and adds a tale passed down through generations to the architectural remains.

Churches, chapels and pilgrimage traditions

The Church of SS. Name of Jesus was built in the Baroque style between 1680 and 1682; its bell tower was completed in 1730. The San Sebastiano Chapel dates back to the 15th century and is associated with the plague epidemics of 1428 or 1460. Its relocation is also part of its history: in 1931–32, the chapel was moved 140 metres to its present location.

The Madonna della Stella houses valuable 15th-century frescoes and is a national monument. It lies on a branch of the Via Francigena and became a destination for pilgrims travelling to Compostela. Art and pilgrimage history come together here at a specific religious site.

The San Pancrazio Sanctuary is designed in the Neo-Gothic style and includes an apparition chapel and a crypt below it. It has been a pilgrimage destination since 1620 and is also associated with a historic fair dating back to 1620. Visits are possible by appointment. Reservations can be made through the URP office at 011/9670211; arrange your visit in advance.

The San Michele Chapel is located on the Masso Gastaldi and can be reached by a staircase carved into the rock. However, it is open only on days when the CAI Pianezza schedules an opening. For this reason, check with the CAI Pianezza before visiting.

The Dora landscape and trip planning

Part of the protected Dora Riparia Natural Safeguarding Zone lies within Pianezza; the zone extends along the river for 1,914 hectares. It includes a riverside circular trail and connecting paths to cultural and ecological attractions. So choosing what to visit means considering not only historic buildings, but also a protected river landscape with a network of described routes.

The Masso Gastaldi lies east of the old historic centre. It is 26 metres long, 16 metres wide and 14 metres high. Villa Lascaris is another cultural attraction in Pianezza: it promotes and organises cultural and spiritual activities and events.

As you plan your trip, you can weigh these themes against one another: religious buildings from different periods, the historic Via Francigena, or the Dora landscape. If you want to include both culture and nature, consider the respective sites and routes as separate points of interest. San Pancrazio and San Michele have different visiting arrangements, which you should check in advance.

Discover more destinations: Cantalupa, Quincinetto, Collegno, Ceres, Verrua Savoia, San Pietro Val Lemina, Bobbio Pellice, San Secondo Di Pinerolo.

Return to the main travel overview: Turin.