Banchette: Castle, Church and Local Traditions

Banchette is best understood through the combination of architectural history, local traditions and regional cuisine. The original Castello di Banchette was built around 1200 as a fortress. The present-day Castello di Banchette was reconstructed in the 19th century on older ruins as a neo-Gothic residential villa. These two stages of development give the Castello historical depth: its appearance reflects both its fortress-like origins and its later reconstruction. At this building, you can see how a place can preserve historical forms while also embodying a later architectural design.

San Cristoforo on a Diorite Rock

A second architectural highlight is the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Cristoforo. It was remodelled around 1800 based on an initial design by Ignazio Girelli. The church stands on a large diorite rock, accessible via a broad staircase. Its neoclassical façade features a projecting stone portico and a stone balustrade. The combination of rock, staircase and stone façade elements makes this building particularly interesting for visitors who want to view architecture not in isolation, but within Banchette's built surroundings. The broad staircase leads to the diorite rock, while the portico and balustrade complement the church's neoclassical stone frontage.

Carnival and Pre-Arranged Guided Tours

The Carnevale Banchettese is also part of the town's local character. It is a traditional local carnival; its main figures are Cossatera and Cossatè. The Carnevale takes place at night. This clear time-related feature is relevant if you want to experience cultural impressions not only through buildings, but also through a local festive tradition. On dates arranged with the owners, volunteers from Circolo Banchette, in cooperation with the tourism department of the Istituto di Istruzione Superiore Giovanni Cena, guide visitors through the park and to the Castello di Banchette.

Circular Route and UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Castello di Banchette is also part of the “Castelli aperti” circular route. The UNESCO World Heritage Site “Ivrea, industrial city of the 20th century”, inscribed in 2018, includes a small area within the boundaries of Banchette. Thus, in Banchette, a castle connected to a circular route meets a clearly delimited area of an inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site. This gives you a cultural profile that takes into account both individual buildings and a broader historical context.

Corn Tradition and Local Specialties

Pignoletto Rosso del Canavese is part of the local culinary culture. It is an old corn variety that was recovered through the dedicated work of a group of farmers. At the Sagra del Mais Pignoletto Rosso di Banchette, polenta dishes made from Pignoletto and other local specialties are offered for tasting. This aspect connects the history of an old variety with a culinary tradition and complements Banchette's architectural and festive attractions with a clear link to agriculture.

More places for planning your trip: Rondissone, Riva presso Chieri, Pragelato, Barbania, Piobesi Torinese, Cuorgnè, Ciriè, Agliè

For the overall travel overview: Turin.