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Via Sant’Agostino, 10051 Avigliana TO, Italy (May 2022)
Avigliana
Avigliana is a charming medieval town located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, about twenty five kilometres west of Turin. Nestled at the entrance to the Susa Valley and surrounded by the foothills of the Alps, Avigliana offers a striking combination of historical richness, scenic beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere. The town overlooks two serene lakes, known as Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo, which provide stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains and attract visitors seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. With its mix of ancient architecture, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes, Avigliana is often described as one of the jewels of Piedmont.
The history of Avigliana stretches back to Roman times, but it flourished during the Middle Ages as a key strategic and commercial centre along the route connecting France and Italy through the Mont Cenis Pass. Its medieval core, remarkably well preserved, is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, arcades, and historic buildings that tell the story of centuries of prosperity and resilience. One of the most important landmarks is the Avigliana Castle, built in the eleventh century and later expanded by the Counts of Savoy. Although today it lies partly in ruins, the castle still dominates the town from a hilltop, offering panoramic views across the Susa Valley.
Religious architecture also plays a major role in Avigliana’s identity. The Church of San Giovanni, with its Romanesque and Gothic elements, houses valuable frescoes and artworks, while the Church of San Pietro stands as one of the oldest and most iconic monuments in the area. The town’s architectural heritage is complemented by charming courtyards, arches, and small squares where residents gather during local festivals and markets. Avigliana has long been known for its warm community spirit, blending ancient traditions with modern cultural life.
Nature surrounds Avigliana in every direction. The two lakes are part of the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park, a protected area that supports diverse bird species and lush vegetation. The park is a favourite destination for walking, cycling, and birdwatching, as well as for those who simply wish to enjoy the calm of the water framed by alpine peaks. Today, Avigliana harmoniously balances history and progress. It remains deeply connected to its medieval roots while embracing a sustainable and lively present, making it an ideal destination for those who wish to experience the authentic charm of Piedmont’s landscape and culture.
Worth a Visit
Via Garibaldi in Avigliana is more than just a street, it is a living corridor of history, architecture, and contemporary life in the heart of this Piedmontese town. Stretching through the medieval core of Avigliana, Via Garibaldi traces paths that pilgrims once travelled along the historic Via Francigena and now leads visitors amid layers of urban renewal, local commerce, and heritage preservation. As the town’s main thoroughfare, Via Garibaldi emerged as a vital connection between the old village, known as Borgo Vecchio, and the later developed Borgo Nuovo. Along its length, one can still sense the rhythms of medieval activity: once lined with forges, workshops, and markets, the street served pilgrims and locals alike, echoing with artisans, religious travellers, and daily trade.
Piazza Conte Rosso, nestled within the heart of Avigliana’s historic centre in Piedmont, is a vibrant fusion of medieval architecture, community life, and local identity. Its name honours Amedeo VII of Savoy, known as “Conte Rosso” (the Red Count), who was born in Avigliana in 1360 and became a pivotal figure in the house of Savoy’s legacy. From the 12th century, Piazza Conte Rosso served as the organisational heart of the newly founded *Borgo Nuovo*, acting as the main square where markets, fairs, and civic events convened, the medieval platea fori. To this day, the square retains its original function as a public crossroads where locals and visitors mingle beneath stone arcades and framed views of imposing ruins.
The Chiesa di Santa Croce in Avigliana is a small but historically significant oratory located on the western side of Piazza Conte Rosso, a space that has been the civic and spiritual heart of the medieval town for centuries. Dating back to at least the 17th century, the church appears in the famous Theatrum Sabaudiae, a printed representation of Savoy territory. It served for centuries as the headquarters of the Compagnia di Santa Croce, a brotherhood especially comprised of merchants, artisans, and civic leaders from Avigliana’s Borgo Nuovo. This confraternity, rooted in local traditions dating to the mid-15th century, held devotional gatherings parallel to those of other associations, such as the Compagnia del Gesù in the Santa Maria district.
Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Via Bacchiasso to Via S. Pietro
Approximately 1.41 km – o.88 miles
The walk starts in – Via Bacchiasso – Via Sant’Agostino – Corso Laghi – Walk back along to Via S. Pietro – Via S. Pietro
Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – Via Garibaldi to Via Mario Berta
Approximately 1.05 km – 0,65 miles
The walk starts in – Via Garibaldi – Via Oscar Borgesa – Via Garibaldi – Chiesa Parrocchiale dei SS. Giovanni e Pietro, Via Beato Angelico Testa – Via Umberto I – Piazza Conte Rosso – Via Piave – Piazza Conte Rosso – Via Porta Ferrata – Via Umberto I – Via Mario Berta
Photo Gallery of Walk 3 – Via Norberto Rosa to Castello
Approximately 0.52 km – 0.32 miles
The walk starts in Via Norberto Rosa – Sentiero per il Castello – Castello
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