Discover Pralormo: Architectural History, Castle Park and Lakeside Routes

Pralormo can be explored through several clearly distinct themes: medieval fortification history, religious buildings, landscaped gardens and routes by the lake. You can plan your trip around whether you want to trace architectural developments, make the landscape your focus, or combine your stay with a cultural event held on a fixed date.

Architectural history spanning several centuries

Castello Beraudo di Pralormo was originally built in the 13th century as part of the fortification system in this area of Piedmont. Torre Campanaria also has medieval roots: it was first used as a signal tower, later became a bell tower and, in modern times, a clock tower. These buildings reflect different developments: the Castello was part of the fortification system, while the tower’s role changed over time. If you are interested in historic buildings, their construction dates and the changes in their functions offer two different points of focus.

The religious buildings also trace a distinct timeline. The earliest historical references to Santuario della Beata Vergine della Spina date back to the 1585 pastoral visit by the Bishop of Asti, Monsignor Domenico della Rovere. The Santuario’s main altar was built in 1632. This makes it possible to consider separately an early historical reference to the sanctuary and a later-dated phase of construction. Parrocchiale dei Santi Giacomo e Donato, also known as Parrocchiale di San Donato, was built in 1931–1932 on the site of the former rectory and the former San Bernardino confraternity. In contrast to the Santuario’s earlier history, this church marks a considerably later phase of local architectural history.

Il Trenino del Conte, a model railway exhibition, is located on the third floor of Castello Beraudo di Pralormo. It is connected with Count Edoardo Beraudo di Pralormo’s lifelong passion for miniature trains, which began in 1896. Alongside religious and fortification-related themes, this offers a personal, collecting-based perspective on history.

Castle park and lakeside routes

The park at Castello di Pralormo was landscaped in its present form in the second half of the 19th century. Count Carlo Beraudo di Pralormo commissioned landscape designer Xavier Kurten to create the garden. The park is laid out in the English style and has a distinctly romantic character. Both its period of design and its style are therefore defining features of the garden—another focus from the architectural history of the Castello and churches.

For the lakeside routes, it is worth distinguishing between two trails. The Anello del Lago (A) reaches the lakeshore and circles the lake clockwise. The Anello corto del Lago della Spina is a circular route that follows the lake to the Madonna della Spina statue. The statue was carved from a tree trunk, and the circular route is also suitable for children. The descriptions highlight different features: the Anello del Lago (A) specifies the direction of travel, while the Anello corto notes the statue along the route and its suitability for children.

Cultural events and local traditions

The dates of events can also help you plan your trip. MESSER TULIPANO has taken place every April since 2000 and welcomes thousands of visitors. This botanical event offers a recurring springtime attraction. The Feast of the Beata Vergine della Spina is celebrated on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The two events fall at different times of the year and belong to different traditions: a botanical event in April and a religious festival in August.

PRALORMO A TAVOLA is part of the area’s culinary tradition. This cookbook brings together more than a hundred recipes submitted by families from Pralormo and bears witness to the culinary traditions of the area. It offers another cultural point of interest alongside the buildings, the park and the festivals.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ruà, Borgone Susa, Rosta, Agliè, Palazzo Canavese, Moncenisio, Fenestrelle, Vestignè.

For the broader travel overview: Turin.