Trino: History, Church Art and Nature

Trino offers several ways to explore history and culture: the rule of the Paleologus family, sacred art and a museum spanning a broad period. Nature and trails can also play a part in planning your trip. Trino was the main seat of the Paleologus fief; the noble family ruled the Marquisate of Montferrat from 1305 to 1532. When choosing a hotel in Trino, it helps to decide in advance whether you want to focus on architectural and art history, local history or time outdoors. The following places differ considerably in subject and character, from a permanent carnival exhibition housed in a palazzo to signposted hiking and mountain-bike trails in the Bosco delle Sorti della Partecipanza.

History at Palazzo Paleologo

Palazzo Paleologo is notable for both its architecture and its carnival exhibition. Its decorative elements in the Moorish style are considered unique in Piedmont. The building permanently houses the Mostra del Carnevale di Trino. It can be visited free of charge during public openings held for events. The Carnevale Storico Trinese began in 1952. The building, exhibition and origins of the carnival tradition thus offer distinct points of historical interest.

Church Art and Architectural History

The Chiesa parrocchiale di San Bartolomeo contains Pietro Francesco Guala’s altarpiece “San Bartolomeo battezza i reali d’Armenia,” dating from 1733–1734. The Chiesa di Santa Caterina (San Domenico) preserves relics of Blessed Maddalena Panattieri, including a hand, a skull and personal belongings. The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Neve o dell’Addolorata tells a different story of architecture: it was built towards the end of the 18th century on the remains of a 15th-century church and consecrated in 1779.

The three churches thus differ considerably: San Bartolomeo centres on a dated altarpiece, Santa Caterina is associated with relics, and Santa Maria della Neve brings together a medieval predecessor and a church from the late 18th century. Just outside the settlement stands the church of San Michele in Insula, which has retained its Romanesque character.

Museum and Rice Cultivation

The Museo G.A.Irico traces the history of Trino and its surrounding area across nine rooms, from prehistoric times to the present day. This broad time span sets the museum apart from the individual church sites: it focuses on the history of a place and its territory, while the churches illustrate specific aspects of art and architectural history.

A visit to Lucedio provides information about rice cultivation; rice was first grown in Italy right there. This adds an agricultural perspective to the themes of rule, churches and local history.

Woods, Birds and Trails

The Bosco delle Sorti della Partecipanza is one of the most extensive lowland oak-hornbeam forests in the Po Valley. A total of 153 bird species have been recorded in the forest and surrounding areas, so the figure covers more than the forest itself. Facilities for visitors to the Bosco include signposted hiking and mountain-bike trails, as well as picnic areas.

As a separate cycling route, the “Cyclable Rice Paddies No. 5 – The Grange Itinerary” circular route passes through Trino. It is different from the hiking and mountain-bike trails in the Bosco; check route conditions before setting off. The nature-related activities offer different options for your plans: birdwatching, getting active on signposted trails, or following a circular cycling route that passes through Trino.

Discover more destinations: Santhià, Fobello, Varallo, Pila, Albano Vercellese, San Genuario, Vocca, Borgosesia

For the main travel overview: Vercelli.