Pianezza between the Dora, history, and pilgrimage routes

Pianezza on the Dora

Pianezza is closely connected with the Dora and its history. The town is part of the protected Dora Riparia Natural Safeguarding Zone, which extends along the river over 1,914 hectares. Pianezza also includes part of this zone, with a circular riverside route and connecting paths to cultural and ecological attractions. This brings together natural landscapes, historical sites, and route planning without requiring you to focus on a single type of travel experience.

Churches and historical traces

The Pieve of San Pietro stands immediately above the Dora. It has medieval origins and is located at a site with numerous Roman finds. The Church of SS. Name of Jesus offers a different perspective: it was built in the Baroque style between 1680 and 1682, and its bell tower was completed in 1730. The San Sebastiano Chapel dates from the 15th century and is associated with the plague epidemics of 1428 or 1460. Its local history is also remarkable: in 1931–32, the chapel was moved 140 metres to its present location.

Pilgrimage routes and sacred sites

The Madonna della Stella brings together art, heritage status, and pilgrimage tradition. It contains valuable 15th-century frescoes, is a national monument, lies along a branch of the Via Francigena, and became a destination for pilgrims travelling to Compostela. The Via Francigena ran along the Dora and led towards the Alpine valleys. Pianezza’s sacred history also includes the San Pancrazio Sanctuary. It is designed in the Neo-Gothic style and includes an apparition chapel and a crypt below it. Since 1620, it has been a destination for pilgrims and has been associated with a historic fair.

Visits and route planning

For practical planning, the San Pancrazio Sanctuary can be opened by appointment. Reservations are made through the URP office at 011/9670211. The Chapel of San Michele also has limited opening arrangements: it is located on Masso Gastaldi and can be reached via a staircase carved into the rock, but only on days when CAI Pianezza schedules it to open. Masso Gastaldi lies east of Pianezza’s old historic centre; the rock massif is 26 metres long, 16 metres wide, and 14 metres high.

One route is slightly inclined, completely level, and approximately 20 kilometres long. This combination may play a role when choosing between different day plans, while the opening of the San Pancrazio Sanctuary and the Chapel of San Michele must be considered separately. Villa Lascaris promotes and organises cultural and spiritual activities and events, thereby broadening the town’s thematic range.

Surviving traces of Pianezza Castle

Pianezza Castle also represents the historical dimension of the town. The site stood in a strategic position above the Dora, along the Via Francigena. Remains of underground structures and the outer bastion have survived, including the Galleria di Maria Bricca. According to local tradition, Maria Bricca led the prince and 55 grenadiers through secret passages into Pianezza Castle. The combination of surviving remains and traditional history makes the site interesting for visitors who want to explore architecture, the region’s past, and religious routes together.

More destinations

Other destinations you can include in your selection are Coassolo, Romano Canavese, Roure, Mazzè, Castellamonte, Sparone, Pavone Canavese, and Chiesanuova.

For the main travel overview: Turin.