Mazzè between the Castle, the Dora Baltea and the historic centre

Mazzè combines historic buildings with the landscape of the Dora Baltea. Castello di Mazzè stands on the summit of the moraine hill, overlooking the Dora Baltea gorge and the plains of Ivrea to the north and Chivasso to the south. This allows you to plan your stay around culture, views, cycling routes, walks and the river landscape. Accommodation in Mazzè can therefore be chosen according to your preferred focus, without reducing the town to just one attraction.

Castle and historic centre

Castello di Mazzè is a fortified complex comprising the 14th-century “castello piccolo” and the “castello grande”. The latter was remodelled in the Neo-Gothic style in the 19th century. In the Centro Storico di Mazzè, the remains of the old Ricetto, 19th-century aristocratic palaces, the parish church and the castle are among the defining features of the townscape.

Church, museum and visits

The Chiesa dei Santi Gervasio e Protasio was built before 1286. Its interior contains a Gothic-style wooden Stations of the Cross carved by artists from Val Gardena, as well as Murano glass chandeliers. The Museo della Tortura is located in the old underground rooms of the medieval Castello di Mazzè; most of its collection comes from Spain and various European collections.

Guided visits to the Centro Storico di Mazzè take place on Sundays from May to September between 3 and 6 p.m. At other times, visits are possible by prior arrangement. This schedule is particularly relevant to your planning if you would like to combine a visit to the historic centre with a cultural experience.

Cycling through Mazzè

The 48-kilometre Percorso N cycle route passes through Mazzè. It runs past the Forra della Dora Baltea, which is one of the local attractions. The Percorso N also recommends a detour through the historic centre of Mazzè to the castle on the hilltop. The route thus combines exercise, local history and views of the river landscape in a single day-trip plan.

River landscape and nature reserve

The Riserva Naturale del Mulino Vecchio also covers part of the municipality of Mazzè and protects a section of the Dora Baltea and the surrounding area. Broad gravel banks and beaches, riparian vegetation, and stands of poplars and black locusts surrounded by fields and meadows shape the landscape. The section of the Dora Baltea between Mazzè and Crescentino within the protected areas of the Po piemontese is generally navigable all year round; exceptions may occur in winter during prolonged periods of drought.

Educational trails through the landscape

The “L'Oro dei ghiacciai” and “La Regina Ypa” trails connect and partially overlap, forming a long, educational walk with information boards along rural tracks. Access to these trails from Mazzè is via the provincial road towards the bridge over the Dora di Villareggia. From there, continue right along an unpaved road to the car park. This provides clear directions for a hike combining nature observation with the history of the regional landscape.

More destinations for your trip to Italy

If you would like to discover more places for your travel plans in addition to Mazzè, here is a concise selection: Rosta, Marentino, Moriondo Torinese, Buttigliera Alta, Alpignano, Loranzè, Pragelato and Foglizzo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Turin.