Holiday apartment in Chiomonte: History, Pertus and Wine

Village Center, Churches and Art

One of the defining cultural sites is the Pinacoteca G. A. Levis. It is housed in a 16th-century palace associated with the Paleologo family of Chiomonte. The Pinacoteca also preserves an extensive group of paintings documenting a large part of G. Levis’s artistic career from 1900 to 1926. For a stay with an interest in art, Chiomonte therefore offers a specific focus beyond the townscape itself.

Sacred buildings also lead through different eras. The Chiesa di Sant’Andrea in the hamlet of Ramats contains a Renaissance fresco cycle depicting the Annunciation and the martyrdom of Saint Andrew. The Chiesa di Santa Caterina was built in the years immediately after 1208 as an oratory for a hospital and preserves 14th-century frescoes. The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta is dominated by a bell tower built in 1432 in the Romanesque Dauphiné style.

The Pertus: Mining History and a Trail Experience

One particularly unusual site is the Pertus. It was excavated between 1526 and 1533 by the miner Colombano Romean on behalf of the residents of Cels, a hamlet of Exilles, and Ramats, a hamlet of Chiomonte. Its purpose was to carry water from the Rio Touilles to irrigate the entire slope.

The Pertus is a hydraulic tunnel approximately 450 meters long. Visible traces of the excavation, lamp niches and depictions of crosses, human faces and French lilies carved into the rock make the site an experience where engineering, craftsmanship and history come together directly. From the hamlet of Ramats, the Pertus can be reached via an unpaved road to the Grange Rigaud at an altitude of 1,450 m, followed by a path in the direction of Quattro Denti. In autumn, the tunnel can be carefully traversed when the water level is low; a flashlight and spare shoes are absolutely essential.

Winter, Festivals and Wine from Chiomonte

For winter days, the Pian del Frais ski area is located in a mountain hamlet of the municipality of Chiomonte. The ski area is considered suitable for families, beginners and school groups. Another established part of local life is the January festival of San Sebastiano in Chiomonte, which includes the Puento dance. In this way, sporting interests and local traditions can be combined as different reasons for traveling, without limiting the town to a single season.

Avanà is also part of the local character. The grape variety is considered the most representative variety of Chiomonte and received Denominazione di Origine Controllata status in 1997. Chiomonte’s ice wine “San Sebastiano” was produced from the first experimental grape harvest on January 20, 2006, in the vineyards of the Comunità Montana Alta Valle di Susa, where the indigenous “Avanà” grape variety is cultivated. These details also give a holiday trip to Chiomonte a clear local connection in culinary terms.

The Right Base for Your Trip

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house in Chiomonte, the desired mix of discovering the town, culture and activities is a sensible starting point. Those who place historic buildings and art at the center of their stay should focus on the Pinacoteca G. Levis, the Chiesa di Sant’Andrea and the Chiesa di Santa Caterina. For the Pertus, Ramats, the Grange Rigaud and the subsequent path in the direction of Quattro Denti are the key reference points. Pian del Frais adds a winter focus to the options. When planning your trip, therefore, consider above all which of these themes should define your stay and which type of accommodation best suits it.

More Destinations for Your Planning

Other places to consider when planning your trip are San Giorio, Piamprato, Pecetto, Villar Pellice, Borgofranco D'ivrea, Bruzolo, Perosa Argentina and Sauze Di Cesana.

For the broader travel overview: Turin.