Discover Barbania: Ricetto, Churches and the History of Drovetti

Barbania lies on the southern edge of the Canavese, on a rise formed by the glacier of the Lanzo Valleys and known as the Vauda. The town can be explored through several clearly distinct themes: medieval fortifications, ecclesiastical art, the history of Bernardino Drovetti and the San Giuliano patron saint festival. This makes for a culturally focused visit featuring specific buildings and insights into local festival traditions.

The Ricetto and Its Gateway

A notable reference to the town’s earlier history is the Torre-porta dell'antico ricetto di Barbania. The gateway still preserves the slots used to operate the drawbridge and the consoles that supported the bridge. This bridge once regulated access to the Ricetto. The Torre-porta is part of a Ricetto built in Barbania during the Middle Ages to protect the population during the ongoing conflicts between the local lords.

Ecclesiastical Art and Accessibility

Sacred architecture is concentrated in two churches with distinctly different details. The Chiesa parrocchiale di San Giuliano Martire has three painted naves and several chapels under the patronage of Barbania’s oldest families. Its high altar is made of multicoloured marble, with a large crucifix mounted above it. The Chiesa dell'Assunta has a finely carved wooden Baroque altar with twisted columns. The central altarpiece from the 18th century depicts the Virgin Mary in glory. For people with disabilities, the church is accessible from outside via a usable ramp and accessible inside. The Chiesa parrocchiale di San Giuliano Martire is also accessible from the forecourt and is accessible to people with disabilities.

Bernardino Drovetti and Casa Drovetti

Casa Drovetti is the birthplace of Bernardino Drovetti (4 January 1776–9 March 1852), who served as a diplomat, collector of Egyptian antiquities and military officer under Napoleon. Bernardino Drovetti’s collection, known as the “drovettiana”, comprised 8,000 artefacts. It was sold to Carlo Felice and forms the founding core of the Museo Egizio di Torino. Access to Casa Drovetti is clearly restricted: the building is privately owned and can only be accessed by contacting the owner in advance.

The San Giuliano Patron Saint Festival

The traditional patron saint festival, the Festa patronale di San Giuliano, takes place at the end of August. According to local accounts, the celebration uses the symbols bindéj, caritin and Carità, which are associated with Celtic traditions. During the Monday part of the Festa in 2019, the Armëttià dël drapò, the handover of the flag, was followed by the Obada granda as a reception and the Corenton as a dance in the square. The proceedings were accompanied by the local marching band. In this way, alongside its built history, Barbania also reveals a festive side.

A Landscape-Oriented Perspective

In connection with the landscape, Barbania is also associated with the Val Malone–Vauda planning conference as an affected municipality.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to continue planning your trip beyond Barbania, also discover Beinasco, Torrazza Piemonte, San Giusto Canavese, Germagnano, San Benigno Canavese, Isolabella, Settimo Vittone and Sauze D'oulx.

For the overarching travel overview: Turin.