Brosso: Mining Trails, Churches and Minerals

Brosso combines impressive trails with traces of mining, unique mineralogical features and noteworthy churches. Those interested in the landscape, local history and tangible evidence of earlier work will find a variety of facets here as part of a diverse itinerary.

The Strada delle Vote along the Torrente Assa

From Brosso, the Strada delle Vote follows the left bank of the Torrente Assa to Calea. Along this route, you can see mine entrances, forges, roasting furnaces, large water reservoirs, chapels, mortuary chapels, the Palazzi Sclopis and the ruins of residential buildings.

The Strada delle Vote is fully paved, and the walk is of moderate difficulty.

Erratic Boulders and Trails in the Historic Mining Area

La Pera Riunda is a huge, mushroom-shaped erratic boulder. A glacier transported the rock, which now rests on compacted moraine material. The boulder can be reached via an old trail within the historic mining area. The route to La Pera Riunda is challenging and suitable for experienced hikers.

Drera e Pian degli Alemanni also combines nature observation with mining history. The area is of historical and cultural significance and offers a view of the moraine amphitheater. Trails lead to old mining sites there. Along the route, you can also see the remains of old iron-rich springs with red water and sulfur springs.

Churches Steeped in History and Art

The interior of the parish church of San Michele Arcangelo features a single-nave layout with nine altars, rich decoration and numerous paintings. The nave is semi-Gothic, while the chancel is Baroque in style. The church also houses an organ made by Felice Bossi in 1856.

The parish church of San Michele Arcangelo is believed to have been built around the year 1000 and is considered the oldest building in the vicariate and the valley.

The small church of San Rocco was built as a votive church in 1630, after the population made a vow to the saint during a plague epidemic. It has been deconsecrated and now houses a permanent exhibition of minerals and old work tools. The mines of Brosso have long been known for the richness and great variety of their minerals.

Insights into Local Ironworking

Cà ad Martolo has five exhibition areas dedicated to the place, its people, history, minerals and work tools. Along the Torrente Assa, metallurgical sites with numerous roasting furnaces, washing basins, forges and mechanical stamping mills can also be seen. These facilities were used for local ironworking using the low-hearth process, also known as the so-called Brossasca method. The exhibition areas thus complement the visible metallurgical sites along the Torrente Assa with the subjects of minerals and work tools, which are also part of the local mining history.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to combine Brosso with other places, here are the nearest destinations: San Benigno Canavese, Vistrorio, Corio, Banchette, Beinasco, Cavallo, Condove, Montalto Dora.

To the main travel overview: Turin.