Discover Poirino: Tinca, Asparagus and History

When choosing Poirino as a destination, regional foods and locally rooted history may be deciding factors. Topics range from fish and asparagus to a historic game and the town’s textile history. Poirino is also part of the Pianalto di Poirino: this area of about 400 km² is flat, with gentle rises and a few small hills. This gives you several specific starting points for planning a stay around your interests.

Local products and their stories

The «Tinca Gobba Dorata del Pianalto di Poirino» is fresh fish of the Tinca tinca species. It is born, bred and raised in the ponds of the Altopiano di Poirino. The product’s full name links the fish species to the Pianalto and points to its local production area. If you are interested in regional foods, the Tinca is a precise point of reference: its name, species and origin are all specified.

The Asparago di Poirino has different distinguishing features: the spears are green and intensely colored, with pointed tips and violet hues. The first asparagus field in Poirino dates back to 1920. Tinca and asparagus thus offer different perspectives on local produce: the Tinca is associated with pond farming, while the asparagus is defined by its recognizable characteristics and the specific historical date of its cultivation. The Fiera dell’Asparago e della Tinca features both product names. For 2025, it is described as a six-day festival in Poirino with music, food and shopping.

Landscape and cultural history

The Pianalto di Poirino is described as a flat landscape with gentle rises and a few small hills. Both features are part of the picture: the flat terrain exists alongside slight variations in elevation, rather than replacing them. At about 400 km², the area is also a broad point of reference for the local landscape. These details help you discover Poirino not only through its food, but also through its place in the landscape.

The Antico Gioco del Tavolazzo is documented in 1662; according to local tradition, it was already being played in the second half of the 16th century. Its playing field was north of the castle, at the end of what is now Via del Tavolazzo. The game’s history is thus linked to a named place and a specific period. The two dates distinguish between the documented year and the earlier date given in local tradition.

Poirino’s textile history is also part of its cultural background. The textile activities of the 19th and 20th centuries encompass the history of the Fabbricone and the Melano and Vastapane families. Alongside the historic game, this topic offers another perspective on the town: Poirino’s history includes cultural and textile developments as well as agricultural products.

The association for Poirino’s community history museum organized free guided tours of churches, monuments and historically significant places in Poirino. If you would like to plan your stay around the Fiera or a guided tour, check in advance which dates are currently available.

Discover more destinations: Susa, Oulx, Beinasco, Roure, Cesana Torinese, Moncalieri, Gravere, Nole.

View the broader travel guide: Turin.