Pinerolese

<< Piedmont

The Pinerolese is a region located around the town of Pinerolo, in the southwest of the Metropolitan City of Turin. This area includes various towns located at the foot of the mountains, such as Pinerolo, and some valleys among the Alps. These are known as Waldensian Valleys (Valli Valdesi) because of the historic presence of the Waldensians, a religious movement founded in the Middle Ages that sought to reform Christianity.

Pinerolo

Pinerolo is a city located at the foot of the mountains southwest of Turin. The town emerged in the Middle Ages and it was important because of its strategic position. In the Late Middle Ages it was the capital of the domains of the Acaja family in Piedmont. Later, Pinerolo was occupied by France various times, but it always returned to the Savoy dynasty. The town developed as an industrial center in the 19th and 20th century.

Pinerolo Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Donato

The Pinerolo Cathedral (Duomo di Pinerolo) is the main religious building of Pinerolo, located in the main square of the city. The church was originally erected in the 10th century and completely rebuilt in the 15th century, while the facade was remade in the 19th century. The church hosts some artworks and its interiors are completely filled with beautiful frescoes.

Basilica of San Maurizio

The Basilica of San Maurizio is a historic church located on a hill overlooking Pinerolo. Erected in the Middle Ages, it was later rebuilt and reworked. The church features a Romanesque bell tower built in the 14th century and a few interesting frescoes and artworks.

Cavour

Cavour is a town located next to a small relief south of Pinerolo in the Metropolitan City of Turin. Inhabited since ancient times, it became an important settlement due to the nearby castle, which was destroyed in 1690. Now the small town is remembered for its link with the noble Benso family, of which the 19th-century statesman Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, was part.

Rocca of Cavour

The Rocca of Cavour is a hill which dominates over the town of Cavour. This was the site of a medieval castle, destroyed by the French in 1690. Due to its position in the Po Valley, the top of the hill offers a great view of the surrounding plains and the Alps.

Fenestrelle

Fenestrelle is a hamlet located in a valley among the mountains west of Turin. It is best known for its large fortress.

✪ Fenestrelle Fort

The Fenestrelle Fort (Forte di Fenestrelle) is the largest alpine fortified complex in Europe, located on a strategic position guarding a valley connecting the Po Valley with France. Erected starting in the 18th century, the fortress grew to include various fortifications running for over three kilometers along the side of a mountain. For centuries, it was among the most important forts in the region and it was also used as a prison. Now it has been restored and various sections can be visited.