Volpiano: Traces of Fortifications, Church Art and Paths in the Vauda

Traces of Fortifications and Sacred Buildings

Volpiano can be explored through individual historic buildings, exhibitions, paths and events. The range extends from traces of medieval fortifications to Baroque architecture and scenic walks in the Vauda.

At the Castello di Volpiano, only sections of the defensive walls and bastions are visible. The first reliable evidence of the complex dates from 1019. The castle can be reached on foot or by private vehicle, but is normally closed and open only during occasional events.

The Chiesa dei SS. Pietro e Paolo has a Romanesque-style façade with rising gable sections and an interior dating from the 18th century. The church was rebuilt in 1857 and consecrated on October 12, 1880. Inside are paintings by Morgari and Reffo, as well as a work from the school of Defendenti Ferrari. The furnishings also include a Bernasconi organ with 2,400 pipes.

A different architectural language is displayed by the Chiesa della Confraternita dell'Immacolata Concezione. Its undulating Baroque façade forms part of a 16th-century interior with a centralized layout. The present church was built between 1734 and 1756 to a design by the architect Antonio Maria Lampo. A work by Felice Bossi was built for the church in 1856.

The Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie is a Baroque-style sanctuary with a portico of three arches. The present church replaced an older, dilapidated chapel in 1743. The Chiesa di San Rocco was built in 1683 as a communal votive offering after the end of a plague epidemic that claimed more than 40 lives in Volpiano from 1678 onward. The Palazzo Oliveri houses a permanent exhibition about Guglielmo da Volpiano.

Paths in the Vauda and Local Experiences

The paths of the Vauda are also among the tangible aspects of the area. They include fitness trails and walking paths created by the Comune and local associations. La Mangiavauda combines exercise with regional cuisine: the gastronomic walk is 7.3 kilometers long, runs through the Vauda nature park from Volpiano, starts at Piazza Cavour and ends at the Madonna delle Vigne.

Bric & Valun starts in Volpiano at Piazza Amedeo di Savoia.

During the De Bello Canepiciano festival days, the streets and buildings in the historic center are decorated with straw, jute fabrics and the characteristic colors of the districts. This creates the impression of a 14th-century village. Volpiano Porte Aperte has continued to take place since its first edition in 2003 and serves to rediscover the town's history and traditions.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to combine Volpiano with other places in the same region, here is a compact selection: Ivrea, Ceresole Reale, Ala Di Stura, Susa, Lanzo Torinese, Gassino Torinese, San Francesco Al Campo, San Mauro Torinese.

For the overarching travel overview: Turin.