Discover the Historic Houses of the Pinerolo area:
castles, villas and historic residences open to visitors between April and October in the countryside surrounding Turin,
among rural landscapes and charming villages at the foot of the Monviso mountain.
At the foothills of the Alps, between the plains and the first hills, the Pinerolo area preserves a rich network of castles, villas and historic residences that tell centuries of Piedmont’s history.
The Historic Houses of the Pinerolo Area itinerary invites visitors to explore this territory through a route linking remarkable residences, many of which are still inhabited and lovingly maintained by the families who own them.
Just a few kilometres from Turin, these houses offer the opportunity to embark on a journey through architecture, historic gardens and rural landscapes, with guided tours, cultural events and special openings. It is a rare chance to step inside places that are usually closed to the public and to discover a unique historical and cultural heritage.
How to Visit the Houses
Map
How to Get There
The Pinerolo area lies about 30 km from Turin and can be easily reached by car in less than an hour.
The territory stretches from the plains to the first hills at the foot of the Monviso mountain and is an ideal destination for a day trip or for a slow-tourism itinerary through villages and countryside.
The area can be explored by car, but also along routes suitable for cycling, horseback riding and walking.
When to Visit
The historic houses of the circuit generally open on the last Sunday of each month from April to October, with guided tours and special openings.
Some residences can be visited only by reservation, while others allow free access according to their own calendar.
Visiting Time
The itinerary can easily be explored in a single day, visiting two or three houses and stopping in the nearby villages.
For those who wish to explore the circuit at a slower pace, the Pinerolo area offers many opportunities to spend an entire weekend discovering history, nature and local gastronomy
Suggested Itinerary: A Day Among the Historic Houses of the Pinerolo Area
Less than an hour from Turin, the Pinerolo area offers the perfect setting for a day among castles, villas and historic residences set in the countryside at the foot of the Monviso.
The route crosses charming villages, historic gardens and elegant residences that are still carefully preserved by their owners.
Morning – Hills and Town
The day can begin on the first hills with a visit to Casa Lajolo, a harmonious patrician residence surrounded by historic gardens and a charming kitchen garden that blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape.
Alternatively, start from Palazzotto Juva, a historic residence within an ancient rural complex that today hosts contemporary art installations.
From here it is easy to reach Pinerolo, the historical heart of the area.
In the surroundings of the town several residences of the circuit can be visited, including the romantic historic Park of Il Torrione, designed by the renowned Prussian landscape architect Xavier Kurten as an English-style landscape garden. Nearby are also Villa Le Peschiere and the farmhouses of Tenuta del Colombretto, both located within a vast agricultural estate documented since the 15th century.
Just a few kilometres away stands the Castello di Miradolo, surrounded by one of the most fascinating historic parks in the region and today a venue for exhibitions, events and cultural activities.
Lunch Break
The historic centre of Pinerolo is the ideal place for a break, with restaurants and traditional trattorias where visitors can taste typical Piedmontese cuisine before continuing their exploration.
Afternoon – Castles and Country Houses
In the afternoon the itinerary can continue towards the plains and the historic villages of the Pinerolo area.
In Bricherasio visitors will find two elegant noble palaces: Palazzo dei Conti di Bricherasio, rich in frescoes and linked to the family that played an important role in the history of Italian industry; and Palazzo Ricca di Castelvecchio, with decorated halls, a private chapel and a remarkable historical archive.
Across the countryside it is possible to reach other residences of the circuit, such as Villa Giacosa Valfrè di Bonzo, an elegant neoclassical villa connected with the local tradition of mint cultivation.
Nearby stand the castles of Virle Piemonte: the Castello dei Marchesi di Romagnano and the Castello dei Conti di Piossasco, both associated with the history of ancient Piedmontese aristocratic families.
Not far away is also the evocative Castello di Marchierù, a historic residence surrounded by a large park and still inhabited by the owning family.
End of the Day
Before returning to Turin, a perfect final stop is Villa La Paesana, a refined residence set among gardens and centuries-old trees, once connected with the hunting reserves of the Stupinigi woods.
A journey through private historic houses, gardens and castles that reveals an authentic side of Piedmont, where architecture, landscape and historical memory are still closely intertwined.
Palazzo dei Conti di Bricherasio – Bricherasio
An elegant building in the heart of the village, distinguished by its 19th-century frescoes, refined interiors and the painting collection linked to the Bricherasio family. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the palace was frequented by Emanuele Cacherano, founder of FIAT.
Palazzo Ricca di Castelvecchio – Bricherasio
Historic residence of the Ricca family, this country palace features an internal garden, decorated halls and a private chapel. It was built after the turbulent events that affected the village between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, when the Savoy army besieged Bricherasio to reclaim it from French control. The library and archive are particularly noteworthy.
Villa Giacosa Valfrè di Bonzo – Pancalieri
Located within a rural landscape, this villa is a rare example in Piedmont of architecture inspired by the Palladian tradition. Neoclassical in style, the building also features a neo-Gothic icehouse. It once belonged to Giovanni Varino, founder of a famous mint distillery in 1870.
Villa Le Peschiere – Pinerolo
A long avenue of liriodendron trees leads to this large architectural complex of 18th-century origin. Its present appearance dates to 1872, when the painter Ernesto Bertea, a leading member of the Rivara School, embellished the villa with refined terracotta decorations from Castellamonte.
Cascina Losetta, Tenuta del Colombretto – Pinerolo
An elegant 19th-century farmhouse (with 17th-century origins) featuring an internal courtyard, agricultural buildings and noble interiors. The estate extends across fields and meadows and still preserves its agricultural vocation. Today it hosts cultural and food-and-wine events.
Historic park Il Torrione – Pinerolo
Designed in 1835 by Xavier Kurten, gardener to the King of Savoy, it is one of the finest examples of an English-style romantic landscape park in Piedmont. It is home to monumental trees and one of the region’s richest hydrangea collections.
Villa La Paesana – Piobesi Torinese
Surrounded by centuries-old trees, orchards and a large landscaped garden, the villa is an elegant 19th-century summer residence once connected to the hunting reserves of the nearby Stupinigi woods. Its decorated halls and carefully maintained park make it one of the most evocative residences of the circuit.
Casa Lajolo – Piossasco
A beautiful patrician house on the hill of San Vito, with an Italian garden, a historic kitchen garden and an 18th-century park. The residence is renowned for the harmonious relationship between architecture, nature and landscape. It has belonged to the Lajolo di Cossano family since 1850 and hosts concerts, exhibitions and cultural activities.
Castello di Miradolo – San Secondo di Pinerolo
Managed by the Cosso Foundation, the castle is known for its art exhibitions, the large historic park designed by Kurten and its rich programme of cultural and musical events.
Castello di Marchierù – Villafranca Piemonte
Originally a fortress, the earliest document mentioning the castle dates back to 1225 when it belonged to the Savoy-Acaia family. In the 19th century it was restored by the Counts Filippi di Baldissero. Now owned by the Prunas Tola family, the castle still preserves original furnishings, tapestries, a private archive and a family chapel. It is inhabited and open by reservation.
Castello dei Marchesi di Romagnano – Virle Piemonte
The Romagnano family is one of the oldest aristocratic families in Piedmont, historically active in Savoy administration and the Church hierarchy. The castle was destroyed by a fire set by French troops under General Catinat in 1693. Rebuilt afterwards, it became a summer residence and hosted the statesman Massimo d’Azeglio on several occasions.
Castello dei Conti di Piossasco – Virle Piemonte
Now home to the San Vincenzo de’ Paoli Institute, the castle was built on the remains of an earlier structure. In the second half of the 17th century Giò Michele Asinari Piossasco de Rossi rebuilt the castle destroyed after the Battle of Marsaglia in 1693. The magnificent main hall and the Chinese room are particularly remarkable.
Palazzotto Juva – Volvera
This historic noble residence stands within the Cascina Pascolo Novo estate. The earliest records date to 1628. After a French siege in 1630, the complex was rebuilt in the 18th century by Giacomo Juva, who transformed the farmhouse into a small palace with a crenellated tower. Today it hosts artistic events and important sculpture installations.
