Fiano between mountains, chapels and rural culture

Fiano between mountains, countryside and history

Fiano’s mountain area culminates at Monte Corno, at an elevation of 1,226 m. Gentle paths and country roads run through the town, crossing meadows and fields; lush forests break up the landscape. Fiano therefore presents itself as a destination where nature, local history and agriculture exist side by side. If you would like to combine cultural discoveries with a rural setting on your trip to Italy, you will find several different points of interest here.

Churches, chapels and Castello di Fiano

Castello di Fiano was donated to the municipality by Vittorio Emanuele II in 1862 and subsequently partially restored. Two important construction phases are reflected in the parish church of San Desiderio: it was built after 1675 and renovated in the second half of the 18th century. Both details make the church a specific reference point for Fiano’s architectural history, without reducing its development to a single period.

The chapels also give the town its own cultural profile. Cappella di Sant’Anna contains a fresco triptych with the Shroud depicted in the centre. It is located near Castello di Fiano and is used for religious services on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Anne. Cappella di San Rocco dates from the late 16th century and is situated in a forest, just a few minutes’ walk—or a short distance—from the town area.

Rural paths and historic connections

The paths through meadows, fields and forests shape Fiano just as much as its religious buildings. The agricultural area extends towards Parco Naturale La Mandria. Fiano developed as a village on the ancient road that connected the Valle di Susa with the Canavese and the Vercellese. This historic connection explains the character of a place whose history is visible not only in individual buildings, but also in its position within the region’s network of routes.

Parco Naturale La Mandria is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List because it contains Reggia di Venaria and Castello della Mandria. This creates an interesting combination of natural surroundings and cultural history for your travel planning: the landscape around Fiano points to agricultural land and forest, while La Mandria, with two important historic complexes, represents another cultural focal point.

Agriculture, regional cuisine and a challenging route

At the end of May, the “Fiano ci cova” fair is dedicated to agriculture and food. This exhibition showcases numerous local agricultural producers, local dishes and festive traditions. If you would like to discover a place’s everyday life and culinary side, the event places a clear focus on produce, food and communal festive culture.

Another perspective is offered by the route from Varisella via Varallo T.se to Fiano. The route initially follows a flat, fast section and then continues with a technically challenging descent over rounded stones to Cappella di San Rocco. When planning a cycling tour, this change in the nature of the route is particularly relevant: the route combines a fast start with a considerably more demanding section later on.

Other places to include in your travel plans

If you would like to compare Fiano with other destinations, you can also include Sparone, Baldissero Torinese, Vinovo, Villar Perosa, Roletto, Caselette, Marentino and Frassinetto in your selection.

To the higher-level travel overview: Turin.