Discover Ala di Stura: History, Trails and Winter Sports

Ala di Stura Between History and Nature

Ala di Stura is home to historical landmarks, including around 76 sundials, trails along the Stura di Lanzo, winter sports and local cheese production. The historical landmarks include the Torre della Dogana, the parish church of San Nicola Vescovo, the fresco in the hamlet of Villar, the artwork on the Mondrone tour, and the sundial at San Michele.

Historical Sites and the Culture of Sundials

One cultural landmark is the Torre della Dogana. The former 12-metre-high customs house features frescoes with the coats of arms and decorative motifs of the House of Savoy. Following its restoration in 2006, the Torre became one of the important stops on Ala di Stura’s historical and cultural tours. The parish church of San Nicola Vescovo complements this heritage with its long sacred history: it is a 4th-century church, contains a 16th-century painting and has a Lombard-style bell tower.

Works of art can also be found in the districts of Villar and Mondrone. In the hamlet of Villar, there is a fresco dated 1577, attributed to Perini, depicting the Trinity, the Madonna and Child, and Saint Maurice. On the Mondrone tour, you can see a depiction of the Flight into Egypt painted by Andrea Bogliano in 1876. On the Martassina tour, the church of San Michele has a south-facing sundial that was renewed in 2004. Ala di Stura is known as the “Comune delle Meridiane”.

Riverside Trails and Landscape Experiences

The Ala di Stura–Balme–Pian della Mussa environmental tourist trail combines physical activity with the landscape. It runs along the Stura di Lanzo River and is connected to an extensive network of trails. Another specific trail connection is the Sentiero Pian delle Masche: it leads from the Santuario di Martassina to Ala di Stura through alpine pastures, forests, clearings and streams. Along the trails, you encounter a variety of landscapes, from open pastures to wooded areas and sections shaped by water.

The Gorgia di Mondrone is another of the area’s natural attractions. It is a waterfall in the Località Tomà in Ala di Stura.

Winter Sports and Local Products

The La Giaseri natural ice rink is not equipped with a refrigeration system and is intended for ice skating, hockey and broomball. The ARPIET ski area has a chairlift from the town to Pian Belfè, another chairlift to Punta Karfen, two drag lifts and a conveyor belt for children.

Cheese production is also part of the area’s local character. At the farm shop of Formaggeria Cà du Roc in Pian della Pietra, Ala di Stura, you can buy the cheeses made there directly.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

Loranzè, Locana, San Benigno Canavese, Arignano, Villareggia, Candiolo, Quincinetto and Alpette

For the overarching travel overview: Turin.