San Secondo Di Pinerolo: Baroque, Park and Local History

San Secondo Di Pinerolo features an ancient fountain, historic architecture, the park of Castello Miradolo and local Piedmontese history. This offers you a varied perspective on culture and nature: the historic town centre and Piazza Europa are at the heart of it, while Castello Miradolo, its park features and the cycle path provide further highlights.

Historic Centre and Squares

The historic centre of San Secondo Di Pinerolo dates back to the 18th century and preserves several architecturally significant residential buildings. The ancient fountain is a landmark of the town. The Church of the Brotherhood of the SS. Trinità also dates back to the 18th century. The parish church is a noteworthy example of Piedmontese Baroque and was built in 1773 by the architect Giuseppe Girolamo Buniva.

Piazza Europa has an amphitheatre-like structure and serves as a venue for performances and cultural events. In the Airali district, the original town centre developed around the small Church of San Giovanni Battista, which dates from the second half of the 17th century.

Castello Miradolo and Its Parkland

The historic park of Castello Miradolo, which surrounds the castle, covers more than 6 hectares. It is home to more than 1,700 trees of historic and botanical importance. Irrigation channels and its proximity to the Torrente Chisone give it ecological significance and make it a habitat for many animal species. The original design from the last quarter of the 18th century included a pleasure garden, an orchard and a fishpond.

Il Bosco di Bambù is a stand of giant bamboo beside the Viale delle Ortensie and near the former park keeper's house. The bamboo was probably introduced to reflect the 19th-century enthusiasm for exotic plants and botanical collecting in prestigious gardens. La Serra is located along the western façade of Castello Miradolo and features Neo-Gothic arcades; restoration in 2010 restored its original character after years of deterioration.

History and Local Tradition

San Secondo's terracotta tradition comprised 14 manufactories in the 19th century, selling various products throughout Piedmont. The former fortress of Miradolo, known as „Castello del Lupo“, was destroyed at the end of the 16th century during the fighting between French and Savoyard-Spanish troops. The castle of Miradolo, documented since the Middle Ages, controlled access to Val Chisone. The carnival tradition includes the masks „tupinè“ and „tupinera“. The weekly market takes place every Tuesday afternoon.

Sightseeing, Walks and Cycle Path

Castello Miradolo hosts temporary exhibitions and offers educational and continuing education activities. Guided tours of the park or exhibitions are available for individual visitors, groups, schools, families and day centres, and are accompanied by experts and specialists. The „Sentiero del Sottobosco“ is a walking trail in the park: flowers alternate throughout the year, ivy stands out, and in spring the periwinkle catches the eye with its small blue-violet flowers. The „Anello ciclabile di San Secondo“ cycle route starts and ends in San Secondo and is 7.3 km long. It runs along paved roads and is completely flat.

More destinations to choose from: Piamprato, Caluso, San Pietro Val Lemina, Sparone, Cuorgnè, Traversella, Piossasco, Castagneto Po

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