Airasca: Piedmontese History, Cycling Route and Local Butter Tradition

Airasca amid plains, springs and Piedmontese history

Airasca is located in a vast, flat area with numerous springs. The surroundings combine open topography with a history in which the natural environment, agriculture and local memory come together. In earlier times, the Airasca area was included in the “royal hunting reserve.” At the corner of Via Stazione and Via Valdo Fusi, a flowering area for pollinators was established in Airasca. The two street names locate the area precisely within the town.

Churches and a historic manor house

A prominent historical landmark is the Castello della Marsaglia. It is a typical agricultural manor house of the Piedmontese plain and is located four kilometres from the centre of Airasca. At a distance of four kilometres, the manor house lies outside the town centre. The castle is associated with the 1693 battle between Piedmontese troops under Vittorio Amedeo and French troops under Catinat. The town’s architecture also includes two churches with distinct historical and stylistic backgrounds: the Chiesa dello Spirito Santo dates from the first half of the 18th century and is a testimony to Piedmontese architecture; the parish church of San Bartolomeo is a Baroque church built in the late 17th century.

Religious memory in the townscape

Religious memory can be traced particularly clearly at the Cappella Navone. The Cappella Navone is dedicated to the Madonna di Loreto. The inhabitants of Airasca refer to this Madonna as “Madona degli autin”; farmers in particular regard her as the patron saint of their fields and crops. The chapel has been documented since 1797 and was built as an ex voto. In the 1950s and 1960s, processions led from the church of San Bartolomeo to the Cappella Navone; they included prayers, Mass and the blessing of the fields.

Cycling route across the plain

The Via delle Risorgive is a cycle path connecting Airasca with Moretta via Scalenghe, Cercenasco, Vigone and Villafranca Piemonte. At the same time, it forms part of the EuroVelo 8 route. The cycling route between Airasca and Moretta starts in Airasca. Before setting off, a short detour to the parish church of San Bartolomeo with its Romanesque bell tower is recommended. The Romanesque bell tower provides a clear architectural point of reference at the starting point of the cycling route.

Local products and announced festival dates

Local flavours also have a specific connection to Airasca. Caseificio Brussino Francesco has been operating in Airasca since 1909. It specialises in producing artisanal butter and traditionally processes raw butter made exclusively from centrifuged cream by hand. This specialisation in butter shapes the town’s culinary identity. The local events calendar includes the Airasca Foma Festa, a recurring local festival. A third edition has been announced for 2025, and a winter edition for 2026.

More travel ideas

For more travel ideas, you can also discover Cantalupa, Torre Pellice, Moncalieri, San Secondo Di Pinerolo, Rondissone, Pomaretto, Pecetto and Vacci.

For the overarching travel overview: Turin.