Pralormo: History, Park and Trails at Lago della Spina

Pralormo combines the history of Castello Beraudo di Pralormo with trails around Lago della Spina. Highlights include medieval architectural history, sacred sites, a romantic-style park, lakeside trails and family recipes from Pralormo.

Castles, Towers and Sacred History

Castello Beraudo di Pralormo was originally built in the 13th century as part of the defensive system of this area of Piedmont. The Torre Campanaria was a signal tower dating from the 13th century; it was later converted into a bell tower and, in modern times, into a clock tower. At the Santuario della Beata Vergine della Spina, the earliest historical references date from the pastoral visit by the Bishop of Asti, Monsignor Domenico della Rovere, in 1585. The main altar was built in 1632.

The Parrocchiale dei Santi Giacomo e Donato, also known as the Parrocchiale di San Donato, was built between 1931 and 1932 on the site of the former rectory and the former San Bernardino brotherhood. The feast of the Beata Vergine della Spina is celebrated on 15 August with the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. The date falls in midsummer, establishing a clear seasonal reference for travel planning.

Castle Park and Seasonal Highlight

The park of Castello di Pralormo offers another perspective. Its current design dates from the second half of the 19th century; Count Carlo Beraudo di Pralormo commissioned landscape designer Xavier Kurten to design the garden. The park is laid out in the English style and has a romantic character. Since 2000, MESSER TULIPANO has welcomed thousands of visitors every April, creating a clear seasonal highlight. MESSER TULIPANO’s April date marks a recurring point in the annual cycle for the garden.

Trails at Lago della Spina

Two trails with different routes run along Lago della Spina. The Anello del Lago (A) reaches the lakeshore and circles the lake clockwise. The Anello corto del Lago della Spina is a loop trail that is also suitable for children. It follows the lake to the Madonna della Spina statue, which was carved from a tree trunk. When choosing a route, visitors can choose between the circuit around the lake and the loop trail to the statue, which is suitable for children.

Miniature Trains and Regional Cuisine

Il Trenino del Conte, a model railway exhibition, is located on the third floor of Castello Beraudo di Pralormo. It is connected with Count Edoardo Beraudo di Pralormo’s lifelong passion for miniature trains, which began in 1896. At the castle of Pralormo, architectural history and a personal interest in miniature trains therefore come together in the same building. The cookbook PRALORMO A TAVOLA offers a culinary perspective: it brings together more than one hundred recipes submitted by families from Pralormo, documenting the area’s culinary traditions.

Discover more destinations: Quincinetto, Chiaverano, Frassinetto, Caluso, Front, Balme, Moncenisio, Pinerolo.

To the main travel overview: Turin.