Rivalba: Medieval History, Nature and White Truffle Fair

Rivalba combines medieval architectural and artistic heritage with the natural environment of the Bosco del Vaj and Bosc Grand protected area. The National White Truffle Fair is another reason to visit. The castle, parish church and chapel offer specific historical points of interest, while the protected area’s vegetation and marked trails provide orientation. The fair, by contrast, is tied to a specific calendar date. Depending on whether you focus on culture, nature or the event date, your trip to Rivalba can have different priorities.

Medieval Buildings and Frescoes

At the beginning of the year 1000, Bishop Landolfo had a castle built in Rivalba to defend the area. The octagonal tower is the only part of this medieval castle that survives today. The castle and tower thus represent two different layers of history: the former structure and the part that remains today. The parish church of San Pietro in Vincoli marks a later period. It dates from the 12th or 13th century and, despite unfavourable restorations in the 19th century, still has notable features of medieval architecture. The church therefore brings together medieval architectural features and a later history of restoration.

The interiors also contain distinctive artistic and historical motifs. In the first chapel on the right inside the parish church is a fresco depicting the miraculous freeing of Saint Peter from prison in Jerusalem. The fresco is in a precarious state. The small chapel of Sant’Amanzio was completely rebuilt in 1917; inside, it preserves valuable Gothic-style frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries depicting the saint’s life. The subjects are distinct: San Pietro in Vincoli focuses on an episode from Peter’s life, while Sant’Amanzio depicts the saint’s life.

Woodland Scenery and Marked Trails

In the Bosco del Vaj and Bosc Grand protected area, sessile oaks (Quercus petraea), field maples (Acer campestre) and chestnut trees grow on the upper and middle northern slopes; beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) are found occasionally. The vegetation description therefore relates to specific slopes and explicitly identifies beech as an occasional presence. The access rules are also important for visitors: access to the Bosco del Vaj nature reserve is free, but is restricted to marked roads and trails. Please stay on the marked routes. In Bosc Grand, a forest ridge trail runs between Bric Cerro and Bric Turniola. While the access rules apply to the natural area in general, the forest ridge trail connects two specific points.

National White Truffle Fair

The National White Truffle Fair gives trip planning a seasonal focus. It has been held on the second Sunday in November since 1988 and has been a national fair since 2012. The 38th edition is scheduled to take place in Rivalba on November 8, 2026. If you are planning your stay around this date, check it again before travelling. The tradition gives the fair its place in the calendar; the specific date provides a reference point for planning your November trip.

Discover more destinations: Sant'anna, Chiaverano, Pavone Canavese, Cervoto, Montanaro, San Didero, Eremo, Traversella.

For the regional travel overview: Turin.