Gassino Torinese: Marble, the Via Francigena and Historic Sites

Gassino Torinese combines Baroque church architecture, a historic villa and the route of the Via Francigena. In the town center, the pilgrimage route leads across Piazza Antonio Chiesa and past the Church of Spirito Santo and the parish church of Santi Pietro e Paolo.

Baroque Architecture and Marble from Gassino

The Church of the Brotherhood of Spirito Santo in Gassino Torinese is regarded as an important and beautiful example of Baroque architecture. Its special connection to the town is evident in the material used: the bases, colonnade and altars are made of Gassino marble.

The Via Francigena and Its Landscape Sections

Even outside the town center, the route of the Via Francigena remains clearly defined. After Gassino Torinese, the Via Francigena follows the provincial road toward Cinzano for a few hundred meters. Near a right-hand bend, it leaves the road to the left and follows the Canale di Cimena again toward the plain of San Raffaele Cimena. The transition from the provincial road to the Canale di Cimena marks a clear change in the course of the Via Francigena.

Another route passes through Gassino Torinese: the Ippovia del Po riding route includes an unpaved section that briefly runs along the Po River.

Villa Bria, Gardens and Early Frescoes

Villa Bria, also known as La Favorita, was built in 1700 on the ruins of a 13th-century castle. The ruins therefore represent the villa’s older architectural reference. Villa Bria includes historic gardens with centuries-old trees and a monumental fountain. Ancient foundations are a reminder of Castelpiano Castle from the 15th century. The villa also serves as a venue for weddings, corporate events and birthday celebrations.

Another religious connection can be found in the crypt in the sacristy of the Church of Madonna Grande or dei Prati. It contains frescoes depicting the Crucified Christ and saints, dated to around the year 1000. The frescoes belong to an earlier period than the Baroque Church of Spirito Santo and the villa built in 1700.

Museums, Fortress and Parks in the Surrounding Area

The nearby area around Gassino Torinese is home to the Museo del Freidano and the Museo Etnografico Del Mulino Nuovo. The Museo Clizia - Palazzo Luigi Einaudi is located in the surrounding area and is also a museum. Rocca di Settimo, a fortress, is likewise located nearby.

Rimbalzopoli, a park, is located near Gassino Torinese. Parco Alcide De Gasperi and Parco Sandro Pertini are situated in the surrounding area. The natural arch Arco Charles Emmanuel I - Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy is also located in the wider regional area.

More Destinations

For further travel planning in Italy: Strambinello, Pavone Canavese, Cavour, Corio, Druento, Caselette, Avigliana, Cervoto

To the higher-level travel overview: Turin.