Brosso: Trails, Mining History and Church Art
Accommodation in Brosso
An informative way to explore the history of the area is along the Strada delle Vote: it runs from Brosso along the left bank of the Torrente Assa to Calea. Along the route, you can see mine entrances, forges, roasting furnaces, large water reservoirs, chapels, mortuary chapels, the Palazzi Sclopis and the ruins of residential buildings.
Strada delle Vote and La Pera Riunda
The two routes differ considerably: the Strada delle Vote is fully paved, and the walk is of moderate difficulty. The route to La Pera Riunda, on the other hand, is challenging and suitable for experienced hikers.
Mining History along the Torrente Assa
The industrial past is visible along the Torrente Assa in metallurgical sites with numerous roasting furnaces, washing basins, forges and mechanical stamp mills. They were used for local iron processing using the low-temperature method, also known as the so-called Brossasca method. The mines of Brosso have also long been known for the wealth and great variety of their minerals.
Another historical trace leads to the small church of San Rocco. It was built in 1630 as a votive church after the population made a vow to the saint during a plague epidemic. The now-deconsecrated building houses a permanent exhibition of minerals and old work tools.
La Pera Riunda and Drera e Pian degli Alemanni
La Pera Riunda is a huge, mushroom-shaped erratic boulder transported by a glacier and resting on compacted moraine material. The boulder can be reached via an old path within the former mining area. This combines a striking geological formation with terrain where the history of mining remains immediately present.
Drera e Pian degli Alemanni is an area of historical and cultural significance overlooking the moraine amphitheatre. Paths in this area lead to old mining sites. Along the route, the remains of old iron-rich springs with red water and sulphurous springs can still be seen. Landscape, moraine relief and industrial history come together here.
Churches and Exhibitions
The parish church of San Michele Arcangelo brings together a complex sacred history. Its interior has a single-nave layout with nine altars, rich decoration and numerous paintings. The nave is half-Gothic, while the chancel is Baroque. The church is believed to have been built around the year 1000 and is considered the oldest building in the vicariate and the valley. It also contains an organ made by Felice Bossi in 1856.
Cà ad Martolo has five exhibition areas dedicated to the area, its people, history, minerals and work tools. The cultural spectrum thus extends from sacred architecture and its furnishings to the materials and activities associated with local mining and iron processing.
Other Places
Other places: Valprato Soana, Cavour, Montanaro, Prali, Andezeno, Borgaro Torinese, San Didero, Maglione.
To the main travel overview: Turin.
