A journey through the historic mansions of Pinerolo area

Villas, castles, palaces, parks and gardens… Piedmont is a land rich (very rich!) also of this. We propose a unique itinerary to rediscovery the historic mansions of Pinerolo and the surrounding area thanks to the Italian Association of Historic Mansions, which involved the owners of 9 villas and castles (plus one added by us), who will guide you personally on each visit. This year there will still be three Sundays when you can visit these splendid places: August 27, September 24, and October 29… What do you think about spending some time in all three days exploring these buildings and their stories?

Let’s start from the Miradolo Castel (until 24/09), a few steps from Hotel Barrage, which will attract you for its historical garden protected by the Piedmont Region with the typical romantic taste. An abundance of vegetation that creates pleasant light effects in the twilight of the groves, interrupted from time to time by irrigation channels and flowers that you can admire comfortably sitting on the benches surrounding the entire park.

Then we move to the Osasco Castle built in the 14th century to defend the lands of the Acaia princes, Pinerolo lords, which you will instantly realize seeing the four massive towers at the top of the structure. Inside, you will be able to visit some of the large sized barreled vault halls, a library with a beautiful painted ceiling, a porticoed interior courtyard, and also enjoy the view of the garden and the park accessed through a majestic archway.

From here to the Buriasco little Castle (only open on 29/10) the way is short. In the middle of the Pinerolo plain, the military building has a garden characterized by majestic planes and horse chestnuts. Today the house is immersed in a large farm estate, where you can rent a horse carriage for a quiet walk in the surrounding countryside.

Let’s continue for the Marchierù Castle (visit only by reservation) in Villafranca, surrounded by a nineteenth-century park completely fenced. What you will visit is a real complex of buildings: the castle, the ancient chapel, the stables and the farm of Soave. Originally a residence of the Savoy Acaia, from the 18th century, residence with the curious characteristic of the neo-gothic colored horizontal bands painted in the inner courtyard.

Then we arrive at Villa Giacosa Valfrè di Bonzo (only on 24/09, upon reservation) at Pancalieri, a rare example of Piedmont architecture deduced from the Palladian culture. A neoclassical palace with an imposing facade on which stands the loggia straight from very slender ionic columns. Today owned by the Chialva family, this is one of Pinerolo historic villas not to be missed for its almost unique style.

Let’s go now to the Marchesi Romagnano Castle (not on 29/10) at Virle Piemonte, until the middle of the nineteenth century, belonging to one of the largest lineages in Piedmont, located in the historic center of this pretty medieval village. After the restoration of the 1700s it became a splendid summer residence where Massimo D’Azeglio also stayed, but still retains the defensive towers and the enclosing wall that delimits the garden.

From here, in a few minutes, we arrive at Conti Filippa Palace (not on 29/10) at Castagnole Piemonte, designed by Bernardo Vittone, one of the most important architects of the Piedmont Baroque: his signature is recognizable in shell-shaped adorns along the ladder. In recent years, the palace has come back to life thanks to a clever recovery and restoration that has brought splendor back to the garden where a colorful collection of ancient roses blossoms in spring.

Then let’s go to Piobesi at Villa La Paesana, in an area close to the King’s hunting grounds in Stupinigi. We walk along the long avenue leading to the villa with an adjoining chapel and then we go out into the magnificent romantic park, with many exotic plants and a pond with an islet where there is still a glacier: a really fairy tale atmosphere!

Returning to Pinerolo, we stop at the Juva Mansion in Volvera, which has been inhabited by patrons who have enriched it with the paintings of Mariani, while the current owners will show you the contemporary artwork scattered in halls, courtyards and even in the garden. It belongs to a farmhouse, transformed in part in the 1800’s in this elegant and noble palace, with the addition of a tower and the porch.

Last stage in Piossasco, Villa Lajolo has an Italian quality garden, divided into three levels and inserted among the assets to be discovered in Piedmont. The outer space is complemented by a grove of yew, an orchard, a vegetable garden, a pergola and curious hedges that create different shapes.

Discover the entire route by looking at the map!