Borgofranco D'Ivrea: Ricetto, Balmetti and Vineyards

Holiday apartment in Borgofranco D'Ivrea: Ricetto and historic buildings

The ancient Ricetto of Borgofranco D'Ivrea has been preserved almost intact and was built between 1256 and 1277. Regularly laid-out streets meet rural-style houses with large arcaded loggias and wide Travà, which were formerly used for stables and hay storage.

Within the original medieval town centre lies Palazzo Marini, near the gate towards Ivrea. Its tower dates from the last quarter of the 13th century; the municipal tourist office is located on the ground floor. The Domus Sancti Spiriti, a 15th-century building, is also part of the historic fabric. It served as the seat of a brotherhood and, until 1600, as a parish house and school.

The religious buildings add further highlights. The exterior of the Chiesa di Santa Marta is medieval in design, while the building was extensively altered in 1691. It can be viewed from the outside free of charge; interior visits may take place during religious events. The parish church of Madonna del Rosario e dei Santi Maurizio e Germano is in the Baroque style and was built in 1663. A large villa surrounded by greenery also served as the hydrotherapeutic spa facility of Borgofranco D'Ivrea.

Balmetti, art trail and distinctive natural features

The Balmetti can be reached by car and accessed on foot free of charge. In the area, air currents are referred to as „Ore“; they create a microclimate with a constant 7–8 °C and consistent humidity. The former Birrificio De Giacomi was opened in the hamlet of Biò between the middle of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. In the Balmetti, it is also an example of industrial archaeology.

Balmetti art – Place of art and culture includes an art trail connecting the lower and upper Balmetti. A walk along the Rio Rosso, a small tributary of the Dora, takes on a special character through its yellow-golden colour. The colour is caused by mineral pigments washed out of a quarry located upstream. In this way, art, local history and an unusual observation of the landscape come together in a shared experience.

Vineyards, Via Francigena and regional specialities

The hills of Montebuono display a form of topiary architecture in the vineyards, visible when approaching Borgofranco D'Ivrea from Baio Dora. In Località Montebuono, the green-and-blue Big Bench No. 184 also stands at a viewpoint accessible via a short walk through the vineyards. The Via Francigena runs through Borgofranco D'Ivrea and can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. Some sections of this route through Borgofranco are walkable.

The local cuisine includes Miasse with Salignun. Vin dai Balmit is the local wine of Borgofranco D'Ivrea. Canestrelli are considered a typical product of the town: the crisp, wafer-thin pastries are embossed with family coats of arms. At the Bottega del Canestrello, Canestrelli are still made by hand; the shop also operates a vintage café in Borgofranco D'Ivrea.

When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore make your preferred daily rhythm the focus: the Ricetto and churches are ideal for historic discoveries, the Balmetti for art, industrial history and distinctive natural phenomena, while Montebuono, the Via Francigena and the regional products appeal to other interests. Families can alternate between a shared walk, cultural impressions and small culinary discoveries.

Other places in the surrounding area

If you would like to expand your travel ideas, also discover Chiomonte, Romano Canavese, Bruzolo, Ciriè, Gravere, Viù, Volpiano and Pavone Canavese.

For the higher-level travel overview: Turin.