Discover Villareggia: History, Trails and Brut

Between the Dora Baltea and the historic town centre

Villareggia lies on the left bank of the Dora Baltea. The Naviglio di Ivrea is also part of the character of the town, one of the waterways that irrigate the Villareggia area. The town’s historical roots also reach far back: the name “Villa Regia” is associated with Villareggia; its connection to the proximity of the Dora and the Church of San Martino dates back to an inventory from 1225.

Several traces from different periods are concentrated in the townscape. The medieval Torre-Porta dates from the 13th century and is considered the only surviving medieval evidence in the town. Its gateway leads to the Ricetto of Villareggia, the old town centre. The Church of Santa Marta, dating from the 16th century, stands in the Ricetto’s square.

Another historical trace leads to the parish church of San Martino. It is the only surviving part of the former, now vanished village of Uliacco. The church stands on the hill surrounding Villareggia, was built at the end of the 17th century, and is in the Romanesque style. The remains of an old castle can also be found in the Rocca district. Those interested in local history, architecture and the development of small Italian settlements will find several specific points of interest here rather than just a single building.

Trails for cyclists, hikers and more

The MoncriVillaTrails offer various ways to experience Villareggia on foot or by bike. MoncriVillaTrails BLU is suitable for hikers, runners, cyclists and horse riders. The route has no particularly steep sections and can be travelled in both directions, starting either from Villareggia or from Moncrivello. It is connected to the Sentiero delle Pietre Bianche for a further 15 km.

MoncriVillaTrails ROSSO combines short, challenging climbs with technical and entertaining descents. The route is aimed at somewhat more experienced cyclists or at people travelling on foot. This allows you to choose between different forms of activity when planning your day, without limiting the trails to a single type of journey.

The Sentiero delle Pietre Bianche also offers a short detour to the Elevatore di Villareggia. This 19th-century structure still lifts water from the Naviglio di Ivrea without using electrical energy. The detour therefore combines a trail experience with a technical monument directly connected to the area’s water management.

Brut and festivals in Villareggia

Brut is a sausage typical of Villareggia’s culinary culture. It is prepared with ciccioli, salami mixture, blood and a moderate amount of spices. After a short maturation period of 24 hours, Brut can be eaten as an antipasto or snack with a slice of bread and a glass of Canavese Rosso.

The local event culture also celebrates this product. Since 2005, the Comitato Manifestazioni Villareggesi has promoted awareness of the traditional Brut product from Villareggia both within and outside the town. The committee has organised the Sagra del Brut since 2007. Another established tradition is the Palio d'la Vila, which has been organised in Villareggia since 2006.

At the Palio d'la Vila, the four Cantoni Arset, Campore, Frassjon and Ujè compete against one another in various disciplines. These include living checkers, tree-trunk felling, relay races and games for children. This also makes the event interesting for families, without implying that it represents a general range of events for every travel period.

Plan your stay around your interests

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation for your trip to Italy, you can plan your time in Villareggia around your personal interests. Would you like to get to know the Ricetto and the churches more closely, take on a trail on foot or by bike, or discover the town’s culinary side with Brut and Canavese Rosso? The verified features of the town offer various themes around which you can organise your daily rhythm and travel plans.

More town pages for planning your trip: Villafranca Piemonte, Exilles, Cavour, Caselette, Carignano, Germagnano, Settimo Vittone, Cavallo.

To the main travel overview: Turin.