Vinovo: Renaissance Palace, Churches and River Park

Vinovo combines Renaissance architecture, religious art and opportunities for outdoor activities. If you are looking for a hotel in Vinovo, you can start by choosing your stay based on these interests: Castello della Rovere represents architectural and art history, the churches offer different religious perspectives, and Torrente Chisola River Park is intended for recreational activities.

Renaissance Palace and Art History

Castello della Rovere was built between 1480 and 1517 to a design by the architect Baccio Pontelli. For your travel plans, the castle is a tangible point of reference if you are interested in Renaissance architecture. The interiors also have their own art-historical character: they are decorated with valuable stuccowork and grotesque paintings from the school of Pinturicchio. Grotesque painting refers to an ornamental visual style, while stucco describes a sculpted surface finish.

A later chapter began in 1776: from that year, the castle housed the Royal Porcelain Manufactory, which Victor Amadeus III of Savoy strongly supported. If you are interested in Vinovo’s past, you can therefore consider the palace’s architectural history and manufacturing history as two distinct chapters.

Churches and Religious Art

The Chiesa di Santa Croce was built between 1580 and 1585 by the Compagnia di Santa Croce, whose members were commonly known as the Battuti Bianchi. Liturgical celebrations are held there on certain occasions, including the Feast of Santa Croce, the Stations of the Cross and the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The church is also typically used for temporary religious exhibitions, including Christmas exhibitions featuring nativity scenes. An earlier chapter in Vinovo’s church history dates to 1451: in the castle grounds of Vinovo, a private chapel belonging to the Della Rovere family was expanded and converted into a parish church.

The Chiesa di San Bartolomeo is located in Vinovo’s pedestrian zone and is accessible to people with disabilities. The Santuario di San Desiderio houses an extensive collection of votive offerings. Votive offerings are religious gifts. The churches differ in their use and accessibility: Santa Croce is associated with celebrations held on specific occasions and temporary exhibitions, including Christmas exhibitions featuring nativity scenes; San Bartolomeo is in the pedestrian zone and is accessible to people with disabilities.

Torrente Chisola River Park

Torrente Chisola River Park lies immediately north of Vinovo’s built-up centre. From Via del Castello, you can reach it on foot or by bicycle through an underpass. The park is intended for recreational activities such as walking, cycling and horseback riding. The river park therefore offers a different focus from the historic buildings: outdoor activities take centre stage here, while the castle and churches mainly relate to architectural, art and religious history.

Discover more destinations: Orbassano, Cuorgnè, Barbania, Ceres, Carignano, Pianezza, Castagnole Piemonte, Mathi

For the overall travel guide: Turin.