Val Della Torre: Heritage and Mountain Trails

When planning your trip to Val della Torre, two perspectives are especially helpful: the town’s architectural history and trails with varied landscapes. If you are looking for a hotel, these themes can help you decide what you would like to focus on during your stay.

Tower and Churches: Different Historical Layers

The Torre is a symbol of Val della Torre. It was rebuilt in the 20th century in a medieval style, on the walls of the park of the former Villa dei Conti Rossi di Montelera. The style and the period of reconstruction refer to two different aspects: the medieval architectural language does not date the reconstruction, which took place in the 20th century.

The Cappella di San Martino is located in Borgata Castello, northwest of Val della Torre, at the foot of the mountain. Its floor plan is rectangular and divided into two naves. In architecture, a nave is a longitudinal section of a church; here, the description therefore highlights the division of the rectangular floor plan into two parts.

The Chiesa di San Donato Vescovo e Martire was built in Baroque forms between 1687 and 1723. The church houses a wooden statue of Saint Donatus dated 1763, a work by sculptor Stefano Maria Clemente. The dates provide two distinct historical reference points: the church’s construction period and the later date of the statue.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina has Romanesque-Gothic origins and was consecrated on December 30, 1283. It was formerly a monastery belonging to the abbey of the same name; the abbey was suppressed in December 1601. The consecration of the church and the later suppression of the abbey can thus be understood as separate stages in their history.

Hiking Trails by Destination and Scenery

Sentiero 004 reaches the Madonna della Bassa sanctuary at an altitude of 1,152 meters. Its first section passes through a beech forest and then crosses a scree slope partly colonized by pioneer plants. The route offers panoramic views of the sanctuary and across the entire Casternone Valley. Check mountain conditions before setting out, as they can change.

Several specific details are provided for Sentiero 011: it runs from Borgata Bussoneis via Madonna della Bassa to Monte Arpone at an altitude of 1,600 meters. The trail is 5.7 kilometers long, has an elevation gain of 980 meters, takes about three hours and is rated difficulty level E. The duration is approximate; together with the distance, elevation gain and destination altitude, it provides a concise route profile for planning.

Sentiero 018 follows a long panoramic traverse above the Val della Torre basin. The panorama includes the surrounding mountains, the Turin hills and the plain below. The hiking trails described here offer different highlights: Sentiero 004 combines the sanctuary and valley views with a change from forest to scree; Sentiero 011 provides a specific time and elevation profile; and Sentiero 018 offers expansive views.

Cycling Loop and More to Explore

Another type of route is the Anello Ceronda Mountain Bike, an approximately 80-kilometer cycling and hiking loop. It runs through the Ceronda and Casternone valleys and climbs to the technical trails around Colle del Lys. Check the technical conditions and trail signage before setting out.

The Zona Speciale di Conservazione Monte Musinè e Laghi di Caselette spans the municipalities of Almese, Caselette, San Gillio and Val della Torre. A specific event date is also known: the 20th edition of the Sagra del Salame di Cinghiale took place on March 30, 2025.

Discover more destinations: Rollieres, Arignano, Stazione, Lombardore, Villafranca Piemonte, Carella, Pragelato, San Giusto Canavese.

For the broader travel overview: Turin.