Discover Pianezza – Holiday apartment in Pianezza for nature and culture

Pianezza combines natural landscapes, sacred buildings and historical traces to create a destination with several possible holiday focuses. Part of the Dora Riparia Natural Safeguarding Zone is located in Pianezza; at the same time, the themes range from riverside landscapes and flat paths to medieval origins, Baroque architecture and pilgrimage traditions. When choosing a holiday apartment in Pianezza, you can therefore first consider whether you would prefer to spend your days exploring cultural history, spirituality, nature or active pursuits.

Holiday apartment in Pianezza: combining nature and culture

The protected Dora Riparia Natural Safeguarding Zone stretches along the river across 1,914 hectares. The zone, which also includes Pianezza, has a circular riverside trail as well as connecting paths to cultural and ecological attractions. This makes it possible to plan your stay between observing the landscape and discovering various points of interest. The riverside landscape forms a focus in its own right, while the connecting paths bring nature and culture together when planning excursions.

Churches, art and architectural history

Immediately above the Dora stands the Pieve of San Pietro. It has medieval origins and stands at a site with numerous Roman finds. The Church of SS. Name of Jesus was built in the Baroque style between 1680 and 1682; its bell tower was completed in 1730. The San Sebastiano Chapel dates from the 15th century and was moved 140 metres to its present location in 1931–32. It is associated with the plague epidemic of 1428 or 1460.

The Madonna della Stella contains valuable 15th-century frescoes and is a national monument. It lies on a side branch of the Via Francigena and became a destination for pilgrims travelling to Compostela. The San Pancrazio Sanctuary is designed in the neo-Gothic style. It includes an apparition chapel and an underground crypt. Since 1620, the Sanctuary has been a destination for pilgrims and has been associated with a historic fair. Villa Lascaris promotes and organises cultural and spiritual activities and events.

Via Francigena and distinctive local history

The Via Francigena ran along the Dora and led towards the Alpine valleys. Pianezza Castle occupied a strategic position above the Dora on the Via Francigena. Remains of underground structures and the outer bastion have survived from the complex, including the Galleria di Maria Bricca. According to local tradition, Maria Bricca led the prince and 55 grenadiers through secret passageways into Pianezza Castle. Masso Gastaldi lies east of the old historic town centre; the rock is 26 metres long, 16 metres wide and 14 metres high.

The Chapel of San Michele is located on Masso Gastaldi. It can be reached via a staircase carved into the rock, but only on days when CAI Pianezza provides for its opening. The San Pancrazio Sanctuary is open by appointment; reservations can be made through the URP office on 011/9670211. For an active day, there is also an easy, completely flat route of about 20 kilometres. The different types of experience can help you choose the location of your accommodation according to your preferred pace of travel and interests.

More places for planning your trip

More destinations: Fenestrelle, Piossasco, Frassinetto, Cuceglio, Vidracco, Susa, Noasca, Coazze.

To the main travel overview: Turin.