Montanaro: Churches, History and Canavese Culture

Church Art from the Baroque and Earlier Periods

The present-day Chiesa di San Giovanni Decollato e di Santa Marta was built from 1744 to 1748 in place of a 14th-century oratory belonging to the Confraternita dei Laici Disciplinati. The Chiesa di Santa Marta features a rare interior with two apses and oval windows in both apses. Access is via a few steps.

The parish church of San Nicolao e dell'Assunta has a Latin-cross floor plan, a single-nave layout and eight side chapels. Its current organ was reconstructed in 1872 and was built by the organ maker Vegezzi Bossi. The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta has convenient access for people with disabilities. The convenient access to the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta can be taken into account when planning the day.

The Chiesa di San Grato also makes a clear Baroque statement: its wooden high altar is richly decorated with Baroque-style carvings and features four columns and cherubs. The abbey complex by Bernardo Antonio Vittone presents an impressive Baroque setting as a whole.

History at the Chiesa di Santa Maria d'Isola

After 1006, the construction of the Chiesa di Santa Maria d'Isola was the first project undertaken by the monks of Fruttuaria Abbey. The church was Montanaro's first parish church and is an example of the transition from Renaissance Mannerism to the Baroque.

Its bell tower was built in several successive construction phases in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. The Castello di Montanaro provides another historical connection: in 1164, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa granted it as a fief to Marquis Guglielmo IV of Monferrato.

Museum and Local Memory

The Museo Giovanni Cena presents the writer's biography through 80 historical photographs and displays documents and personal belongings. During a guided tour, visitors reflect on the socioeconomic conditions and the history of Italy from the second half of the 19th century through the first two decades of the 20th century.

Borgo Loreto and Canavese Traditions

The Carità tradition of Borgo Loreto originated around 1500. It was revived in 1974 and became a symbol of Borgo Loreto. During the festival of Cantone Loreto, the “CARITA'” are carried in a procession: lightweight willow pyramids about one metre high, covered with white silk and adorned with numerous colourful artificial flowers.

The Parcours M in Montanaro highlights the church complex of San Nicolao and Santa Marta. Canestrelli are thin traditional sweets from the Canavese, with a light lattice pattern and various flavourings.

Compare More Destinations

If you would like to compare additional places for your trip to Italy, here are more destinations at the same destination level: Gassino Torinese, Cesana Torinese, Vacci, Verrua Savoia, Chieri, Vistrorio, Albiano D’ivrea, Ala Di Stura.

To the higher-level travel overview: Turin.