Settimo Vittone between heritage and Mombarone

Three themes can help guide your stay in Settimo Vittone: pre-Romanesque sacred architecture, the medieval castle and the terraced landscape on Mombarone. In addition, there are hiking trails with different routes and the local food culture of miasse. You can plan your trip around whether you want to focus on cultural history, exploring the landscape on foot or trying a traditional dish.

Pre-Romanesque architecture and castle history

The Pieve di San Lorenzo and the Battistero di San Giovanni Battista form one of the most significant pre-Romanesque complexes in Piedmont. Together, the two buildings represent the town’s pre-Romanesque heritage.

The medieval Castello di Settimo Vittone also has a clearly defined founding history: it was founded in the 9th century by Attone Anscario, the first marquis of Ivrea. The remains include a tower and several terracotta friezes. The date of its foundation, its founder and the surviving architectural features give you concrete points of reference for understanding the castle’s history.

Mombarone: summit and vineyard terraces

Mombarone, also known as Colma di Mombarone, is a 2,371 m-high mountain in the Pennine Alps. Its area includes the municipalities of Settimo Vittone, Donato and Graglia; from the summit, you can enjoy views of the Alps and the Apennines. Its elevation, mountain range and views each describe a different aspect of the mountain.

The terraced vineyard and agricultural landscapes on Mombarone include the distinctive Pilun: truncated-cone-shaped columns made of stone and lime that support the Tupiun, a traditional vine pergola. These terraced landscapes are listed in Italy’s National Register of Historic Rural Landscapes.

Hiking trails by distance and route

CAI hiking trail 802 runs for 6.7 km from the 802-852 junction in Montestrutto, in the municipality of Settimo Vittone, to the 802-122 junction in the municipality of Montalto Dora. The 15.8 km Mombarone e Colle Lace route starts and ends in Trovinasse. To compare the routes, both their different lengths and their layouts—as a route between two junctions or a loop—are relevant.

Another circular hiking route starts in the hamlet of Torre Daniele, in the municipality of Settimo Vittone. It follows mostly well-preserved historic mule tracks to the church of Trovinasse, at an elevation of 1,374 m. The Via Francigena passes through Torre Daniele, Cesnola and Senge. Before setting out on a hike, check the conditions of the relevant trails.

Miasse and local food culture

Miasse are served very hot and usually accompanied by Salignun or Murtret. Murtret is an aged cheese made from Toma, ricotta, salt and chilli peppers. This traditional pairing is also reflected in how it is prepared: Salignun is spread over a still-warm Miassa that has been folded in half.

Before eating, the Miassa is folded in half a second time. This serving tradition therefore involves both the warmth of the dish and the order in which it is prepared. Murtret is another common accompaniment; its ingredients distinguish it from Salignun as an aged cheese.

Discover more destinations: Rivalta Di Torino, Montanaro, Ceres, Cavallo, San Benigno Canavese, Pavarolo, Cambiano, Champlas Seguin

For the broader travel overview: Turin.