Rivarolo Canavese: Arcades, Churches and Local Specialties

Rivarolo Canavese combines a medieval-style center with buildings from different centuries and a distinctive local food culture. Via Ivrea runs through the historic center; the castle, churches, and local products each add their own character to the picture.

History and Architectural Styles

Castello di Malgrà was built in 1333 by the Counts of San Martino and restored in the late 19th century to a design by architect Alfredo D’Andrade. Its courtyard features a crenellated tower and a small loggia with 15th-century frescoes. The original construction and later restoration mark different historical layers; the details in the courtyard also give the building a distinctive architectural profile.

Another art-historical highlight is the Chiesa e Convento di San Francesco. In the Gothic sacristy and the interior of the church, the complex preserves remains of a cloister, as well as traces of paintings and frescoes from the 14th or 15th century. It also houses “Madonna e padri della Chiesa in adorazione del bambino” by Gian Martino Spanzotti. Architectural traces and a work of art attributed to a named artist offer different ways to explore the building’s history.

The Chiesa della Confraternita del SS. Nome di Gesù underwent a major redesign from the mid-18th century onward, based on a design by architect Pietro Bonvicini. Its interior features decorative work and paintings by Vittorio Amedeo Rapous. The Parrocchiale di San Michele Arcangelo presents a different architectural style: its Baroque design is attributed to architect Bernardo Vittone. The church features an imposing brick façade, an octagonal floor plan, and a dome. Visitors can therefore see different architectural styles and artistic details side by side in Rivarolo Canavese, without reducing them to a single period.

Via Ivrea and Historic Palaces

The historic center, with its medieval character, stretches along Via Ivrea, whose double arcades extend for about 500 meters. Several historic aristocratic palaces stand along the street: Palazzo Palma di Borgofranco at numbers 19–31, Palazzo Farina at numbers 28–38, and Palazzo Toesca at number 42. Palazzo Lomellini at number 60 houses the town hall. The street numbers help distinguish the individual buildings, while the arcades define the street as a continuous feature of the historic center.

There are ramps along Via Ivrea for going up and down, intended to make access easier for people with disabilities. If you have specific mobility needs, it is advisable to check whether the route is suitable before your visit.

Local Specialties

Local products also offer a distinctive perspective on Rivarolo Canavese. Focaccia della Befana is made for Epiphany. The tall version has been produced in Rivarolo Canavese for more than 50 years, and the flat version for about 40 years; both use the same ingredients and preparation methods. Their different shapes and histories are among the specific features of this local tradition.

Pan douss ‘d Malgrà has been made in Rivarolo Canavese for more than 30 years using the same ingredients and preparation methods. Another long-standing specialty is Tomino fresco di Mastri: it has been produced in the Mastri district of the municipality of Rivarolo Canavese in the same way and with the same ingredients for more than 100 years. Parts of the Mastri area also lie within the municipalities of Feletto and Bosconero. This geographical detail is part of the description of the specialty and makes clear that the area name does not correspond entirely to a single municipality.

Choosing Rivarolo Canavese for a stay lets visitors combine a range of interests: historic buildings, church art, arcades, and local food culture. The topics described differ in scale and period—from the 14th-century castle and the religious buildings to products made using methods passed down over decades.

Discover more destinations: Moncenisio, Busano, Fiano, Piobesi Torinese, Riva presso Chieri, Rivalta Di Torino, Cuceglio, Salbertrand.

For the main travel overview: Turin.