Holiday apartment in Sparone: Rocca, culture and forest trails
Accommodation in Sparone
Sparone combines a history of military defence with trails through forests and gorges. The Rocca di Arduino, also known as Rocca di Sparone, already existed before the year 1000 and dominates the road into the upper Orco Valley. Otto’s imperial deed of confiscation and donation lists it as an Arduinid possession.
Sparone: military history, crafts and trails
In 1004, the Marquis of Ivrea and his army sought refuge in the Rocca di Sparone. There, they successfully resisted the besieging army of Emperor Henry II of Germany. At the Casa forte di Pertia, medieval trilithic portals and distinctive, imposing herringbone-patterned stonework are still visible. The Rocca and Casa forte thus represent two specific defensive structures, while Santa Croce represents sacred art.
The Chiesa di Santa Croce also leads deep into the past. The church is dated to around 1025 and has uncovered frescoes in the apse area, dated from the late 14th to the early 15th century. La Fucina dei mestoli offers another perspective: the exhibition space is dedicated to local material culture and traditional crafts. It preserves an extensive collection of original tools and machines, some of which date from the 16th century. The frescoes therefore belong to a significantly later period than the church’s dating to around 1025.
The history of craftsmanship also includes the Roggia delle Fucine, which is also known as Roggia del Mulino. Near its course, several grain mills and several copper forges were already operating from the 16th century onwards.
Holiday apartment in Sparone among forest trails and gorges
For trails through the landscape, the route to Cima Arbella leads through chestnut, beech and birch forests. It passes the alpine pastures of Paramea and then Magna Fioria. The Vecchia mulattiera per Frachiamo begins in Borgata Peretti and was built in 1872 by masons from Frachiamo with the support of their wives. The route to Cima Arbella leads through forests and alpine pastures; with its construction in 1872, the mule track has a historical connection to Frachiamo.
Canyoning in Sparone is a technical, vertical torrenting activity in rocky gorges, with spectacular and demanding rappelling sections along high waterfalls and steep walls. The cycle path features alternating descents and climbs and is suitable for a walk in green surroundings. For planning the day, Sparone offers the cycle path for a walk in green surroundings and canyoning in rocky gorges as two different options.
Accommodation and travel planning in Sparone
For travel planning involving rail connections, Pont-Canavese railway station at Via Roma 44, 10085 Pont-Canavese (TO), is designated as the rail connection for Sparone. It is on the SFM1 line Torino–Pont Canavese–Rivarolo Canavese–Chieri. The historic buildings Rocca di Sparone, Casa forte di Pertia and Chiesa di Santa Croce, as well as the craft heritage of La Fucina and the Roggia, stand in contrast to a landscape featuring Cima Arbella, Paramea, Magna Fioria and the cycle path.
More places for your travel planning
If you would like to consider destinations beyond Sparone, you can find Exilles, Perosa Argentina, Ruà, Grugliasco, Piobesi Torinese, Villar Perosa, La Loggia and Alpette here.
For the overarching travel overview: Turin.
