Holiday apartment in Agliè: culture, circular trails and Villa Il Meleto

Holiday apartment in Agliè between the residence and local trails

Agliè combines a residence of the House of Savoy, distinctive religious architecture, Villa Il Meleto and several circular trails. Those who choose a holiday apartment in Agliè can therefore plan a varied stay combining culture, local history, walks and regional excursions. The town is particularly vivid where historic buildings and specific routes meet: at Castello Ducale di Agliè, at Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Massimo and on the routes through the town and its surroundings.

Castello Ducale, San Massimo and Villa Il Meleto

Castello Ducale di Agliè is one of the residences of the House of Savoy and is designated as a museum in its own right. It was built in 1141 and demolished and rebuilt several times over the years. Agliè is therefore centered around a building whose present-day significance is connected with a long history of construction shaped by changes.

Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Massimo also provides a precise architectural point of reference. The present building dates from 1773 and is the work of Ignazio Birago of Borgaro. The church has a Latin-cross floor plan; the longest arm of the cross forms the nave. Those interested in architectural forms and local history will find here a concrete counterpart to the ducal residence.

Villa Il Meleto is a 19th-century villa at the foot of Macugnano hill, about one kilometer from Agliè. It was the summer residence of the poet Guido Gozzano, who lived from 1883 to 1916. The villa's present appearance is the result of a restoration commissioned by Guido Gozzano in 1904; Gozzano appreciated French Art Nouveau. Villa Il Meleto is accessible by car and has parking spaces.

Circular trails for different day plans

The Ufficio turistico di Agliè offers a guided tour of the town, during which visitors can discover its monuments and particularly charming corners. The Ufficio Turistico di Agliè also offers bicycle rental. This makes it possible to combine cultural and historical exploration with an active day without both interests having to be pursued in the same activity.

The “Giro del Parco” circular trail passes through Piazza Castello, Viale don Feliciano Notario (“la rampa”), Esedra, Cascina “la Mandria”, Cascine Gozzani, Ponte “del Diavolo”, Strada Provinciale per Cuceglio, Piazza Massimo Mautino and Via Principe Tommaso. It is 3 km long and takes about one and a half hours. One variant leads to Laghetto della Gerbola and covers an additional 1 km and about 30 minutes.

The “Rione di San Gaudenzio” circular trail runs via Piazza Castello, Viale don Feliciano Notario (“la Rampa”), Via Molini, Via BLumer or Via Setificio, Setificio Barberis and Via Camillo Olivetti, the former Stabilimento Olivetti, Via Giuseppe Frua, Chiesa di San Gaudenzio from the 14th century, the cemetery, Via poeta Guido Gozzano, Piazza Umberto I and the arcades of Via Principe Tommaso. The route is 2 km long and takes about one hour. The former Stabilimento Olivetti explicitly retains its former status.

The complete “Villa Meleto” circular trail passes through Piazza Castello, Via Principe Tommaso, Via Principe Amedeo, Via Meleto, the 19th-century Villa Meleto, Laghetto del Meleto with its island and landing stage, Cascine Ruggie, Strada Provinciale per Cuceglio, Piazza Massimo Mautino and the arcades of Via Principe Tommaso. It is 5 km long and takes about two and a half hours. The different route lengths and approximate walking times help you adapt your day plan to your preferred pace.

Castles, museums and regional landscapes

Castello Benso and Castello di Banchette, both castles, are located in the surroundings of Agliè. The wider region around Agliè also includes Museo Della Carale Accattino and Spazio Pitetti - ArteinFuga; both are museums. These destinations complement the buildings in the town with additional points of interest for a culture-oriented travel itinerary.

The wider region around Agliè also includes natural destinations with different types of landscapes: Cascata di Fondo in Valchiusella is a waterfall. Monte Soglio, Cima Bonze and Cima Battaglia are mountains. The range of destinations around Agliè therefore extends from a waterfall landscape to several mountain destinations, without these places belonging to the same category.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Agliè, the desired mix of activities during your stay may be decisive. The tour offered by the Ufficio turistico di Agliè focuses on monuments and corners of the town, while the circular trails connect squares, paths, historic sites and Villa Il Meleto; bicycle rental and regional destinations open up further options for planning your days. For families with children of varying stamina, the different route lengths help with planning: the one-hour “Rione di San Gaudenzio” circular trail, the approximately one-and-a-half-hour “Giro del Parco” and the complete “Villa Meleto” circular trail offer different time frames. If you would like to drive to Villa Il Meleto, its accessibility and available parking are also among the specific information about the location.

Further destinations for planning your trip

Caluso, Roletto, San Raffaele, Meana di Susa, Arborea, Chivasso, Bobbio Pellice, Villafranca Piemonte

To the higher-level travel overview: Turin.