Holiday apartment in Vacci: cycle paths, Rocca di Cavour and cultural heritage

A holiday apartment in Vacci opens up a holiday among country lanes, cycle routes, archaeological traces and the distinctive landscape around Cavour. The Strada delle Mele can also be used on horseback at a trot or gallop. Its route follows gravel paths, passes through wooded sections and crosses the Chisone stream. Connecting 14 municipalities, it comprises a total of 63 kilometres of cycle paths suitable for walks and bike rides through nature.

Cycling and holiday apartments in Vacci

A 46.2-kilometre circular cycling route around Rocca di Cavour explicitly passes through Vacci and Castellani; 27.3 kilometres of this route run along quiet roads. The paved roads across the Cavour plain shaped by the Rocca are also used as quiet cycling routes. Alongside longer circular tours, this provides sections whose character is more strongly defined by the open plain and the predominantly agricultural surroundings.

A network of old country lanes connects the hamlet of Castellani-Vacci with the other hamlets of the municipality of Cavour and extends for more than 100 kilometres. The paths around the hamlets are often marked by old votive pillars. At the same time, the old connections, including the routes between Castellani-Vacci and the other hamlets, are regarded as possible remnants of Roman centuriation axes.

Rocca di Cavour: natural setting and historical traces

In the vicinity of Vacci, Rocca di Cavour is a 47-hectare rocky outcrop within a 71-hectare nature reserve. It is designated both as a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Rock carvings, paintings, and Celtic and Roman finds have been preserved on and in the Rocca; the remains of a castle also stand at its summit.

At the foot of Rocca di Cavour, in the vicinity of Vacci, stands Santa Maria Abbey. The Pilone della Rocca, built in 1931, is also located there. The 15-metre-high votive pillar houses a statue of the Madonna made of white Carrara marble.

Archaeology in the former monastery

The Museo Archeologico di Caburrum preserves finds from the Roman city of Forum Vibii Caburrum. This city was founded between 45 and 44 BC by Caio Vibio Pansa Cetroniano. Since 2008, the museum has been housed in former monastery rooms once used for wine production.

Agriculture, festivals and regional specialities

The municipality of Cavour has a strongly agricultural character. The agricultural landscape includes extensive fields of fodder crops and cereals, while specialised cultivation consists of long rows of fruit trees. More than 400 agricultural businesses reflect the importance of agriculture. In the hamlet villages, rural festivals help preserve farming traditions. Specialised farms also raise Razza Piemontese cattle, which are associated with the production of “carne di Cavour”.

A fixture for regional themes is Tuttomele. In the municipality of Cavour, this is a national fair and exhibition dedicated to fruit growing, agritourism, handicrafts, local commerce and regional cuisine. The event takes place during the first two weeks of November.

Other places for orientation

Airasca, Sauze D'oulx, Robassomero, Sangano, San Raffaele, Bruino, Monti and Ruà

For the main travel overview: Turin.