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Corso Massimo D’Azeglio, 10015 Ivrea TO, Italy (April 2022)
Ivrea
Ivrea is a distinctive town in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, known for its rich historical legacy, striking natural setting, and unique cultural traditions. Located at the gateway between the Alps and the Po Valley, Ivrea occupies a strategic position that has shaped its development for centuries. The town is set along the Dora Baltea river and surrounded by rolling hills, lakes, and mountain landscapes, creating a scenic environment that blends urban life with nature. Ivrea is a place where history, innovation, and tradition intersect, offering visitors an experience that is both culturally meaningful and visually engaging.
The origins of Ivrea date back to ancient times, when it was founded by the Romans under the name Eporedia. Its strategic importance as a military outpost is still evident in the layout of the historic centre and the remains of Roman structures embedded within the town. Over the centuries, Ivrea developed into a medieval stronghold, dominated by the imposing Ivrea Castle. Built in the fourteenth century by the House of Savoy, the castle’s four corner towers rise above the town and remain one of its most recognizable landmarks. Today, the castle serves as a powerful symbol of Ivrea’s medieval past and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Ivrea is also renowned for its religious and architectural heritage. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, located near the castle, reflects a blend of Romanesque and Baroque influences and stands as a testament to the town’s spiritual significance. Throughout the historic centre, visitors can discover churches, arcaded streets, and elegant squares that reveal layers of architectural styles shaped by centuries of political and cultural change. Walking through Ivrea is like traveling through time, with each street offering glimpses into different historical periods.
Beyond its ancient and medieval roots, Ivrea holds a unique place in modern Italian history due to its association with industrial innovation and social progress. In the twentieth century, Ivrea became internationally known as the headquarters of Olivetti, a pioneering company in typewriters and office technology. Under the leadership of Adriano Olivetti, the town became a model of enlightened industrial development, emphasizing worker welfare, urban planning, and cultural enrichment. This legacy is so significant that Ivrea has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its twentieth-century industrial architecture and planning. Buildings such as factories, offices, and residential complexes reflect a visionary approach to harmonizing industry, community, and aesthetics.
One of Ivrea’s most famous cultural events is the Carnival of Ivrea, a vibrant and historic celebration best known for the Battle of the Oranges. During this annual festival, teams of participants re-enact a symbolic revolt by throwing oranges through the streets of the town. This unusual tradition represents the struggle for freedom against tyranny and attracts visitors from across Italy and beyond. The carnival, with its parades, costumes, music, and rituals, embodies the strong sense of identity and community that defines Ivrea.
The natural surroundings of Ivrea further enhance its appeal. The town lies near the Serra d’Ivrea, one of the longest moraines in Europe, formed by ancient glacial activity. Nearby lakes, including Lake Sirio, provide opportunities for swimming, walking, and relaxation, while the surrounding hills and Alpine foothills invite hiking and outdoor exploration. This close connection to nature makes Ivrea an ideal destination for travelers who appreciate scenic landscapes alongside cultural discovery.
Ivrea’s culinary traditions reflect the flavours of the Piedmont region, known for its rich and hearty cuisine. Local dishes often feature ingredients such as polenta, cheeses, meats, and seasonal vegetables, complemented by regional wines. Visitors can enjoy traditional meals in local trattorias and experience the warmth of Piedmontese hospitality, which adds to the town’s welcoming atmosphere.
Ivrea is a town of remarkable depth and character, where ancient history, medieval strength, and modern innovation coexist. Its Roman origins, medieval architecture, industrial heritage, and vibrant traditions create a multifaceted identity that sets it apart from other Italian destinations. Combined with its beautiful natural setting and strong cultural spirit, Ivrea offers visitors a meaningful and enriching experience. Whether exploring historic landmarks, learning about its unique industrial legacy, or participating in lively local traditions, travellers to Ivrea discover a town that reflects the resilience, creativity, and enduring charm of northern Italy.
Worth a Visit
The Chiesa di San Grato in Ivrea is a small yet deeply meaningful church that reflects the spiritual traditions and historical identity of this Piedmontese town. Dedicated to Saint Gratus, the patron saint of Aosta and a figure closely associated with the protection of fields and harvests, the church embodies the link between faith, community, and the natural rhythms of life. Though more modest than Ivrea’s grander religious monuments, San Grato stands out as a place of devotion that preserves local heritage and offers a glimpse into centuries of rural and civic culture. The origins of the Chiesa di San Grato date back to the medieval period, when chapels and churches dedicated to the saint were frequently built in agricultural communities.
The Corso Cavour in Ivrea is one of the town’s most important and elegant thoroughfares, a street that reflects both its historical development and its vibrant modern character. Stretching through the heart of this Piedmontese city, Corso Cavour serves as a central axis that connects different districts while also offering a space where commerce, culture, and daily life intersect. Named after Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, one of the principal architects of Italian unification, the avenue pays tribute to his political vision while embodying Ivrea’s role as a dynamic and forward-looking town. Historically, the street took shape during the 19th century, when many Italian cities underwent urban reorganization to adapt to modern needs. Corso Cavour was designed as a broad, straight avenue that reflected the ideals of order.
The Piazza Perrone in Ivrea is a central and atmospheric square that reflects the history, culture, and civic life of this Piedmontese town. Like many Italian piazzas, it functions as both a physical crossroads and a symbolic heart, bringing together architecture, social activity, and memory in a single urban space. Over time, Piazza Perrone has become not only a practical meeting point but also a place that embodies the layered history of Ivrea, from its medieval roots to its modern identity. The origins of the square date back to the town’s historical expansion, when open spaces were created to host markets, religious gatherings, and civic events. Its name, Perrone, is believed to honour a distinguished family or figure linked to Ivrea’s past, a reminder of the important role that local lineages and benefactors played in shaping urban spaces.
The Giardini Giusiana in Ivrea are a green oasis in the heart of the city, offering residents and visitors a tranquil space for relaxation, leisure, and reflection. Located near the historic centre, the gardens are an important part of the town’s urban landscape, balancing Ivrea’s architectural heritage and industrial past with the simple beauty of nature. For generations, the Giardini Giusiana have served as a place where people gather, stroll, and enjoy moments of calm, making them one of Ivrea’s most beloved public spaces. The gardens take their name from Count Giovanni Giusiana, a benefactor who, in the 19th century, donated this area to the city with the specific purpose of creating a public park.
The Corso Re Umberto in Ivrea is one of the town’s most important and elegant thoroughfares, combining the charm of historical architecture with the energy of modern city life. Stretching through the urban fabric, this grand avenue acts as a central axis that connects different parts of the city while providing a vibrant stage for everyday activities, cultural encounters, and commerce. Its name, dedicated to King Umberto I of Savoy, reflects Italy’s monarchical past and the tradition of honouring the House of Savoy in Piedmontese cities, where history and identity are deeply intertwined. Unlike the narrow medieval streets typical of Ivrea’s old centre, Corso Re Umberto stands out for its width, symmetry, and urban elegance. It was designed during a period of modernization when many Italian towns sought to open broad avenues that would embody progress, civic pride, and accessibility.
Photo Gallery of Walk 1 in Ivrea – Via Guglielmo Jervis to Piazza Gioberti
Approximately 1.40 km – 0.86 miles
The walk starts in – Via Guglielmo Jervis – Corso Costantino Nigra – Via delle Rocchette – Via Gozzano – Chiesa San Grato in Borghetto, Via Gozzano – Via Gozzano – Via delle Rocchette – Piazza Gioberti
Photo Gallery of Walk 2 in Ivrea – Via Indipendenza to Piazzale del Duomo
Approximately 1.34 km – 0.83 miles
The walk starts in – Corso Cavour – Piazza Perrone – Corso Cavour – Corso Re Umberto – Giardino Marinai d’Italia – Corso Cavour – Piazza Ferruccio Nazionale – Via Palestro – Piazza Santa Marta – Via Palestro – Via Giacosa – Piazza Teatro – Via Giacosa – Via Palestro – Chiesa San Salvatore, Via Palestro – Via Palestro – Piazza Ottinetti – Via Palestro – Corso Massimo D’Azeglio – Corso Botta – Giardini Giusiana, Corso Re Umberto – Corso Re Umberto
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