Best castles around Vidracco are found in the Val Chiusella, a region known for its historical fortifications and proximity to the wider Piedmont area of Italy. While Vidracco itself features the 12th-century Cives Tower, the surrounding Canavese area offers a range of impressive historical structures. This location provides access to medieval castles and transformed residences, reflecting diverse architectural styles. The region's landscape combines historical sites with naturalistic attractions.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
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Beautiful old town with imposing buildings and views of the mountains.
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Agliè, an enchanting village in the heart of Canavese, boasts a thousand-year history that has its roots in the Roman era. The original nucleus, probably located on the hills of the current hamlet of Santa Maria delle Grazie, was known as "Macunciacum" and depended on the Abbazia Fruttuaria di San Benigno. Agliè, as a fortified village, emerges in documents in 1141, when the feudal lords of Canavese divided the territory. The town became one of the lands of the San Martino di Rivarolo and Agliè, a family that would profoundly mark the history of the village. Despite the feudal struggles that raged in the region, Agliè maintained relative stability, even if it was not immune to looting and devastation. With the arrival of the Savoy, Agliè experienced a period of growth and development. In 1448, the village obtained municipal statutes, a sign of autonomy and recognition. The most emblematic figure of this period was Count Filippo San Martino di Agliè, a man of culture and prominent politician. Minister of Cristina of France, regent of the Duchy of Savoy, Filippo transformed the castle of Agliè into a sumptuous residence, enriching it with works of art and gardens. Today, Agliè is a village that preserves its historical and artistic charm intact. The Ducal Castle, with its gardens and richly decorated rooms, is an unmissable destination for visitors. The streets of the village, with their stone houses and noble palaces, tell the story of a place that has managed to preserve its identity over the centuries.
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Nestled in the rolling hills of Morena Ovest, the village of San Martino enchants visitors with its ancient charm and evocative atmosphere. Its history has its roots in the distant 11th century, when the construction of the majestic Torre-porta maggiore marked the beginning of the settlement. It was a fortified village, surrounded by mighty walls and moats that guaranteed its defense. The walls, made with pebbles arranged in a herringbone pattern and reinforced by megaliths still visible on the north side, testify to the construction skill of the time. Along the perimeter of the walls, there were at least six tower-gates, smaller in size than the main tower, which allowed access to the village. The village of San Martino was long linked to the powerful family of the Counts of San Martino, who exercised control over it for centuries. Their presence is evidenced by numerous historic buildings, including the castle, now in ruins, which dominated the village from above.
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Passage made during Erratico Gravel
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Castle home to hotel/restaurant
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Ivrea, the cradle of the Olivetti company and its famous typewriters, is located on the right bank of the Dora Baltea, west of the Serra di Ivrea, the largest moraine wall in Europe. The silhouette of a 14th century castle rises above the city. In the upper town there is also the originally Romanesque Duomo, which was renovated in the 19th century. On the other bank of the Dora, near Via Jervis, the old Olivetti factories have been converted into Musea dell'Architecture Moderna.
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Ducal Castle of Aglié, residence of the House of Savoy, UNESCO site of interest
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Stage of the Via Francigena. Worth a visit
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Within Vidracco itself, you can explore the 12th-century Cives Tower. Located in the Monti Pelati Nature Reserve, this tower was built for valley defense and offers insights into the region's past, alongside opportunities to explore the reserve's natural attractions.
The Castello di Pavone Canavese, originally from the 9th century, has been beautifully restored and now houses a hotel and restaurant. This allows visitors to experience history firsthand, even through an overnight stay or a meal in a historic setting.
Yes, the Ducal Castle of Agliè is a magnificent example of a Savoy residence and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Originally a medieval fortress, it was transformed into a sumptuous Baroque residence with grand architecture and extensive gardens.
The Castello di Montalto Dora, situated on Monte Crovero, offers commanding views of the surrounding territory. Similarly, the Ivrea Historic Centre and the Dora Baltea Riverside features a 14th-century castle that rises majestically above the city, providing impressive vistas.
The area around Vidracco offers various outdoor activities. For running, you can find routes like the "Ascent to Monti Pelati – Cives Tower loop" or the "Cives Tower – Wooden Animal Carving loop." Cyclists can explore routes such as the "Agliè Ducal Castle – Canavese loop." You can find more details on these and other routes in the Running Trails around Vidracco or Road Cycling Routes around Vidracco guides.
Many castles in the region are suitable for families. For instance, the Ivrea Historic Centre and the Dora Baltea Riverside and Agliè - the historic town center, which includes the Ducal Castle, are listed as family-friendly highlights, offering historical exploration for all ages.
While specific seasonal considerations for each castle vary, generally, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the castles and their surrounding areas. These seasons avoid the peak heat of summer and the colder, potentially less accessible conditions of winter, making them ideal for both castle tours and outdoor activities.
Yes, the Castello di Montalto Dora features a courtyard with frescoes from the 15th century, offering a glimpse into the artistic styles of that period. The Ducal Castle of Agliè also boasts richly decorated interiors.
Beyond the castles, the Ivrea Historic Centre is a significant historical site, known as the "cradle of the Olivetti company" and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The historic town center of Agliè also preserves its thousand-year history with stone houses and noble palaces.
Yes, the Castello di Pavone Canavese has been transformed into a hotel and restaurant. This provides a unique opportunity to dine or even stay overnight within a historic castle setting.
Visitors appreciate the diverse architectural styles, from medieval defensive towers to transformed Baroque residences. The historical significance and the opportunity to explore sites like the Ivrea Historic Centre, a UNESCO site, are highly valued. Many also enjoy the scenic views and the combination of historical exploration with natural surroundings.
The time needed varies by castle. For a comprehensive visit to a larger site like the Ducal Castle of Agliè with its gardens, you might spend half a day. Smaller sites or towers like the Cives Tower could be explored in 1-2 hours. If you plan to visit multiple castles and combine it with outdoor activities, consider dedicating a full day or even a weekend.


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