Volpiano: Churches, History and Trails

Volpiano combines architectural history and local traditions with trails in the Vauda and distinctive events. Its churches offer different architectural features, while sections of the fortifications can still be seen at the castle. An exhibition and events also focus on the town’s history. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus on churches and art, historical themes or outdoor activities.

Churches and Architectural History

The Chiesa dei SS. Pietro e Paolo has a Romanesque-style façade with rising gabled sections; its interior dates from the 18th century. The church was rebuilt in 1857 and consecrated on October 12, 1880. Its furnishings include paintings by Morgari and Reffo, as well as a work from the school of Defendenti Ferrari. The Bernasconi organ is also noteworthy: it has 2,400 pipes. This building brings together architecture, painting and musical heritage.

The Chiesa della Confraternita dell'Immacolata Concezione features a curved Baroque façade and a 16th-century interior with a central plan. The present-day church was built between 1734 and 1756 to a design by architect Antonio Maria Lampo. Its centrally planned interior and undulating façade offer two different features to look out for in its architecture.

The Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie is a Baroque-style sanctuary with a portico of three arches. Its present-day church replaced an older chapel in 1743, as the chapel was at risk of collapse. The sanctuary thus combines a distinctive architectural feature with a specific chapter in the area’s architectural history.

The Chiesa di San Rocco also bears witness to a historic turning point: it was built in 1683 as a communal votive offering after a plague epidemic ended. The epidemic had claimed more than 40 lives in Volpiano from 1678 onward. The time between its outbreak and the church’s construction places this building in the context of local history.

The Castle and Historical Traces

Only sections of the fortification walls and bastions are visible at the Castello di Volpiano. The first reliable evidence of the castle dates from 1019. This date points to early evidence of the site; its present-day appearance, by contrast, is defined by the surviving parts of the fortifications.

The castle can be reached on foot or in private vehicles, but is normally closed and opens only for occasional events. So if a visit is important to your trip, check event dates in advance. Palazzo Oliveri houses a permanent exhibition about Guglielmo da Volpiano. Before visiting, check whether the exhibition is open to visitors.

Events and Trails in the Vauda

Volpiano Porte Aperte was first held in 2003 and continues to take place. The event offers a chance to rediscover the town’s history and traditions. During the festive days of De Bello Canepiciano, streets and buildings in the historic center are decorated with straw, jute fabrics and the characteristic colors of the local districts. This creates the impression of a 14th-century village.

La Mangiavauda is a 7.3-kilometer culinary walk in the Vauda Natural Park in Volpiano. For the 2026 edition, it starts in Piazza Cavour and ends at Madonna delle Vigne. Its set distance, start and finish give the walk a clear framework for planning your day. Check the event details before your trip.

The Vauda trails near Volpiano also include fitness trails and walking paths created by the municipality and local associations. Unlike La Mangiavauda, these offer a variety of routes, while the culinary walk has a set distance and named endpoints. This lets you choose between a defined walk with a culinary focus and the Vauda’s fitness trails and walking paths during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Vinovo, San Giuseppe, Garibaldi, Villar Pellice, Lanzo Torinese, Vestignè, Banchette, Quincinetto.

For the broader travel overview: Turin.