San Giorio: Nature Park, Chapel and Historic Sites

San Giorio di Susa is one of the municipalities in Orsiera Rocciavrè Nature Park.

Nature Park and high-altitude area

The high-altitude area of San Giorio lies within the nature park, among meadows, silver fir forests, small lakes and ponds of great natural-historical importance. These landscape features provide specific points of reference for nature observations.

An easy hike near San Giorio

The “Paradiso delle Rane – Amprimo – Toesca” hiking trail begins in Località Cortavetto near San Giorio di Susa, takes two hours and is classified as touristically easy. For planning a day trip, the starting point at Località Cortavetto, the two-hour duration and the classification as touristically easy can be used directly.

San Lorenzo and its frescoes

The San Lorenzo Chapel is also known as the Cappella del Conte. Lorenzetto Bertrandi built it in 1328 as a cemetery chapel. Inside, it preserves a recently restored cycle of frescoes. It deals with healing or salvation through the Crucifixion, Redemption through the legend of the Three Living and the Three Dead, and the life of Saint Lawrence. The San Lorenzo Chapel can be accessed using the “Chiese a porte aperte” app.

Fortified house and medieval routes

The Casaforte of San Giorio was probably built around the middle of the 13th century by the Bertrandi family and was part of the military installations used to control traffic along the ancient Via Francigena del Moncenisio. The ancient Via Francigena del Moncenisio is therefore part of the historical context in which the Casaforte once had its military function. The Casaforte consists of three above-ground floors and one underground floor.

Historical performance in April

The historical-legendary performance “La Soppressione del Feudatario” takes place in San Giorio on the Sunday closest to 23 April, the feast day of Saint George the Martyr. Around one hundred people take part in historical costumes. Among them, the Spadonari perform the characteristic sword dance. Therefore, when planning a stay in April, the Sunday around 23 April is the relevant reference point.

Peaks and historic sites in the surrounding area

Several peaks are located around San Giorio: Monte Muretto, Punta Costabruna, Monte Pian Real and Punta Cristalliera. The Sacra di San Michele is also in the surrounding area and is connected with San Giorio as both a monastery and a monument. The Abbazia di Novalesa is likewise located near San Giorio and is a monastery. The Villa Romana Almese, an ancient site, is also located in the wider regional area.

Further places for orientation

Further places for orientation: Bruino, Vacci, Azeglio, Airasca, Perosa Argentina, Ivrea, Lanzo Torinese, Vidracco

To the higher-level travel overview: Turin.