Discovering the Canavese
Among vineyards and sanctuaries by E-bike itinerary n .1
Acini E Rose Guest House

From Acini e Rose, getting on your e-bike, your first stop is San Giorgio Canavese, nestled on the slopes of the hilly strip that closes the to the south Morainic Amphitheater of Ivrea.

To reach San Giorgio Canavese, from Acini e Rose, you must proceed along Via XX Settembre and Via Trionfo, until the intersection with Via Circonvallazione, where you continue to the right. From here follow the road that will take you in about 3 km near Villa Malfatti from where, along Via Biandrate, Via Meinardi and Via Piave, you will reach the central square of the town: Piazza Ippolito S. Giorgio.

The birth of the village of San Giorgio Canavese was closely linked to the events of the medieval curtis regia (today's hamlet of Cortereggio) and it is mentioned for the first time in a donation certificate from the year 1003 by Arduino d'Ivrea. The subsequent history is instead characterized by the link with the Counts of Biandrate, who settled here in the year 1100, when the castle that still dominates the town today was built. The castle, built around the 12th century, was profoundly transformed in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today it presents itself as an imposing residence characterized by decorated rooms and a vast English park, home to conferences, receptions, exhibitions and classical music concerts. Inside it is also possible to take guided tours upon reservation. Also worthy of interest are the churches of the three local brotherhoods, the parish church and Villa Malfatti, today used as a location for weddings, concerts and private parties.

Waiting for you in the square of San Giorgio Canavese, in addition to the beautiful Church of Santa Maria Assunta, you will find the delicatessen - Costa Serra gastronomy, an almost obligatory stop if you want to add a tasteful note to your tour to discover the Canavese area.
This place offers a wide selection of cured meats and cheeses from small local producers, Piedmontese and Canavese wines and many ready-made dishes to take away or eat on site (perhaps for a tasty Sinoira snack).

Did you know that the sinoira snack, here in Piedmont, is considered the precursor of the "apericena"? "Sinoira" derives from "sina", or "dinner" in the Piedmontese dialect, and in fact it falls right between the time of the afternoon snack and that of the evening meal. This custom was originally practiced by farmers who, during long days of work in the fields, in the late afternoon, needed to refresh themselves to be able to continue working until the sun went down.
The foods consumed were mainly bread, salami, cheese, omelettes, all accompanied by a good red wine. Today the Sinoira snack is become much richer and more convivial. it has become an opportunity to spend with friends, in front of tasty plates of starters of peasant origin, such as marinated meat and courgettes, veal with tuna sauce, Russian salad, capricciosa, green or red anchovies, etc.

We advise you to buy your favorite products for lunch and take them with you, to continue your e-bike excursion and enjoy them later, in a picnic area that you we will indicate along the way.

From Piazza San Giorgio, if you continue along Via Carlo Alberto, after about 100 meters you will find the Pasticceria Roletti 1896, one of Italy's historic establishments. Here, for 125 years, the Roletti family has been producing unique confectionery specialties, so much so that in the past they earned the trust of the House of Savoy, which granted the use of the royal coat of arms.
Today, entering this shop is like a step back in time. We recommend you visit him to taste the "Duchess Biscuits", a crumbly cocoa dessert, handmade as in the past and protected by the registered trademark: they were the favorites of the Duchess of Pistoia, Lidia d'Aremberg , who discovered them during his stays at the castle of Aglié and from which they take their name, as well as the perfect alibi for his amorous outings.

Before continuing this tour to discover the Canavese, if you want discover the life and agricultural and artisanal activities of the past of San Giorgio Canavese, we recommend you stop at Nòssi Ràis Ethnographic Museum: in Via Campeggio 8 (about 100 meters from Piazza San Giorgio), in the birthplace of the historian Carlo Botta, an important collection of testimonies and objects from peasant life, agricultural and artisanal activities of the past is on display; they are work tools, reconstructions of environments, clothing of the time that help us understand our origins (hence the name "our roots").

Now all you have to do is return towards Piazza San Giorgio and continue along Via Piave, Via Meinardi and Via Missionari Oblati, and then take the dirt road on your left which heads into the cool woods.

Here begins a beautiful stretch surrounded by greenery and nature, on an easy-to-use and flat dirt road that runs for a good stretch alongside the Caluso State Canal, one of the oldest hydraulic infrastructures in the Canavese area .

The construction of the Caluso State Canal took place between 1556 and 1560 at the behest of Marshal of France Charles de Cossé who, having purchased the Caluso fiefdom, decided to build a canal that would bring water for irrigation and produce driving force for the benefit of some mills in the area.
Obtained from Henry II, King of France, the concession to derive the canal from the Orco torrent and cross the territories of Castellamonte, Bairo, San Giorgio Canavese , Montalenghe, Orio, Barone and Caluso. He also stipulated specific agreements with the municipalities and the relative owners of the lands involved.
The canal subsequently passed to various lords and, finally, to the Valperga Masino family who ceded it, in the year 1760, to the Royal Savoy Heritage (from here it also acquired the name of Regia Bealera di Caluso).
Today its total length is 28 kilometers and is considered an essential work for the agricultural economy of the Lower Canavese.

At the beginning of the stretch that runs alongside the canal you can see the monumental entrance to one of the eighteenth-century "Bocche", two tunnels that allow the water of the canal to overcome the hills, passing under the castle, without losing speed of flow .

Tranquility along this entire stretch is assured. You cross vast countryside immersed in silence, sunny hills and green pastures. The view extends even further, from the western moraine of the Morainic Amphitheater of Ivrea to the Canavese mountains: a real dive into nature. Give yourself time to admire this enchanting landscape and breathe in pure air deeply.

After completing the stretch on a dirt road, continue on the cycle path between the Road to Aglié and the Caluso Canal and then on asphalt: in a few minutes you arrive near the Ducal Castle of Aglié. Here we suggest, before taking the beautiful tree-lined avenue, a small detour to the left, to admire the Savoy residence from its main façade.

Arrived at the Ducal Castle of Aglié it is a must to dedicate some time to visiting the interiors, the Italian garden, the large greenhouses and the park with centuries-old trees. It is possible to enter the castle park with bicycles.

The current appearance of the castle is the result of the fusion of four major phases. The original nucleus in fact dates back to the 13th century, then incorporated into the large residence that Duke Filippo di San Martino had built in the mid-17th century.
In 1764 the complex was purchased by Carlo Emanuele III. Thus begins a new season which sees the expansion of the area facing the village and the construction of the Church and the connecting gallery.
The park was geometrically structured and embellished with the spectacular fountain " horseshoe". In the years 1825-1849 the castle and the park were the subject of a renovation desired by King Carlo Felice who created the Small Theater and the new arrangement of the Royal Apartment.
In the year 1939 the castle was sold to the State which entrusted its restoration and management to the Superintendence for Architectural and Landscape Heritage of Piedmont. Since 1997 the castle has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Here you can find the castle opening hours.

After the visit to the castle, from Piazza Castello continue along Via Principe Tommaso and then take a right onto Via per Cuceglio, skirting the boundary wall that delimits the park of Aglié Castle. Then turn left onto Strada Cascine Rogge, following it until the intersection with Via Meleto: you will soon find yourself near Villa Meleto, Guido Gozzano's house museum.

Also in this case we recommend a stop at Villa Meleto to visit the interiors and the garden which have now been transformed into a real museum.

Guido Gozzano, born in Turin in 1883 and died in Turin in 1916, spent a good part of his short life (he died early of tuberculosis) at Villa Meleto.
Villa Meleto was built in the second half of the nineteenth century and was bequeathed to Guido Gozzano's mother by his grandfather, the deputy Massimo Mautino. The house was subsequently modified and embellished by Guido Gozzano himself who wanted to restore it according to the Liberty style.
Villa Meleto takes this name because the garden and the neighboring land were cultivated as orchards and was the place of inspiration for his poems.

For information on Villa Meleto opening hours, contact the following number: +390124330150

Now continue on Via Meleto and, at the intersection with Via per Santa Maria, turn left and continue straight for just over 1 km, until you reach the bakery & pastry shop Piccolo Forno.

As we told you before, this tour to discover the Canavese by e-bike cannot be considered complete if you don't add a sweet note to your picnic: this is the right place to stock up on typical dry pastry sweets, but also on bread and breadsticks. Once you get here you can't help but taste the typical torcetti of Aglié, a tribute to the confectionery tradition of the Canavese area.

It is said that the invention of "torcetti" came from a baker from Aglié who decided to use leftover pasta by adding butter and eggs. He then decided to make them even more delicious by dipping them in sugar or honey. </ Em>
The characteristic that makes torcetti unique is the leavened dough then worked with butter, which gives them a light texture. The processed dough is subsequently divided into small loaves which, before taking on the drop shape, are twisted, rolling up the ends: hence the name torcetti. They are then covered with brown sugar and baked. During cooking, the sugar caramelizes and creates a crunchy crust.

Now go back slightly and, turning left, go up towards the Church of the Madonna delle Grazie: the climb is a bit steep but the e-bikes will give you a great push.

The Church of the Madonna delle Grazie is commonly called "I Tre Ciuché", or "The Three Bell Towers" because it is characterized by two bell towers and a spire.
From the small square adjacent to the entrance the view is truly unique. The church is in fact located in the center of the lush countryside of Aglié, in an extremely elevated position, from which you can admire a very suggestive panorama which, on the clearest days, extends as far as the city of Turin and the Basilica of Superga. Here you can give yourself a moment of rest and fully enjoy the view in the shade of the large pine trees.
It's approaching lunch time, so all you have to do is walk one last stretch and reach an area suitable for enjoying the products you have just purchased, lie down in the sun and relax.

Now go back down to the main road (Via per Santa Maria), turn left and go back along the road you took on the outward journey. Continue straight in the direction of Vialfrè and, at the crossroads, take Strada Comunale for Vialfrè, going left. Proceed without detours for about 2.5 km until you reach a park where you can stop for lunch. You are now in the municipality of Vialfré, at the eastern end of the town.

Here, upon arrival, you will find a large equipped green area where you can take a tasty break, taking advantage of the presence of benches, tables, a water fountain, a children's play area and a small covered area to enjoy some shade.

Not far from here we recommend you reach the St. Peter's Chapel, headquarters, until the 17th century, of the parish of Vialfré. The beautiful Romanesque bell tower dating back to the end of the 11th century is still preserved from the ancient building. The chapel, on the other hand, consisting of a single nave, derives from a reconstruction which took place in a later period, however the façade was overturned to the east. The chapel is located inside the Vialfré cemetery, as was customary in the past. From the small complex the view is bucolic and extends over the surrounding wooded hills alternating with clearings.

Now continue along Via per Aglié passing through the characteristic historic center of Vialfré. Continue along Via San Michele and turn right at the intersection with Via Circonvallazione, following the signs for Montalenghe and Cuceglio. Continue following the road until you cross the Vialfré Provincial Road (it is a very quiet road, surrounded by greenery and with little traffic). Continue on the SP55 for approximately 850 metres, then turn right onto the slightly uphill road. About 1 km separates you from your next destination: the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine Addolorata of Cuceglio, which you reach with a climb along the road called "climb to the Eusebio Pastore Sanctuary".

The Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine Addolorata stands at approximately 400 meters above sea level, on a hill that dominates the town of Cuceglio. This church, commonly known as "the Sanctuary", was built between 1747 and 1758. The patron of its construction was Pastore Eusebio, a local inhabitant who, with the support of the population, succeeded in the undertaking.

Now return to Via Bianco and turn right, in the direction of the center of Cuceglio, take Via Convento and then turn left into Via XX Settembre. Continue along Via Mazzini and, subsequently, Via Porta Pia. At the intersection with Via per Aglié, turn left and continue following Via Porta Pia for 2.6 km until the intersection with Via Michele Chiesa. Here turn left and you will find yourself on the road you took on the outward journey.
After approximately 650 metres, turning left again and following Str. per Misobolo for 1.6 km, you can reach the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Graces of Misobolo. (route excluded from the downloadable gpx track)

You arrive at the Misobolo Sanctuary with a pleasant journey through meadows and vineyards; along the road there are several votive pillars, a sign of manifest devotion to the Madonna: one is truly noteworthy, recently built or restored, and depicts, on one side, Saint George defeating the dragon and, on the other, the ten commandments in Piedmontese dialect.

Legend has it that George, a noble knight errant of Christian faith, one day passed through a city called Selem (in Libya). Here lived an insatiable dragon who was no longer satisfied with eating the sheep offered to him by the inhabitants but wanted human beings. The inhabitants, to appease his fury, began to offer him their children chosen by lot. One day fate chose Princess Silene, daughter of the King of Selem. Just at that moment Saint George arrived and killed the dragon and saved the girl.

Upon your arrival in Misobolo, in a slightly elevated position, you will see what remains of the ancient inhabited center of San Giorgio Canavese today. Today there remains the church, a small cemetery, a farmhouse and an area that was probably once used as a garden and vegetable patch.

Today Misobolo has become, by tradition, a favorite place for the inhabitants of San Giorgio for picnics, pic -nices and walks, especially on Easter Monday.
And it is precisely in these meadows, in fact, that the Costa Serra delicatessen - delicatessen, which we visited today, offers its customers an adjacent area the sanctuary, with tables and benches where you can enjoy a tasty snack with their preparations.

Here in Misobolo there is also the detached section of the Nòssi Ràis Ethnographic Museum: a series of objects and utensils are collected which illustrate the specific theme of viticulture and wine production. In the collection you can admire barrels, machines for pressing grapes and various tools all attributable to the end of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century.

Now go back and continue along Strada provinciale di Barone for about 450 meters until you come to the Cieck winery on your left.

Here at Cantina Cieck, we recommend a stop to discover the "Erbaluce Route", all the secrets of this native wine: the walk between the rows, the visit to the cellar and, finally, the tasting accompanied by typical cheeses and cured meats. Consult the website for details and booking methods.

Now return to Strada provinciale di Barone and then continue along Via Circonvallazione. At the intersection with Via Trionfo, turn left and then onto Via XX Settembre, in the direction of Acini e Rose Guest House.

You have returned to the starting point and have concluded your excursion.

Today you cycled for a total of 1:40 hours and you covered approximately 31 km.
Did you know that cycling improves circulation, strengthens the system immunity, keeps the heart healthy and increases general well-being by eliminating stress?

Now all you have to do is put down your e-bikes and enjoy some riding. of a well-deserved rest on the terrace at Acini e Rose, perhaps sipping a glass of Erbaluce. We are sure that you will still perceive, and for a long time in your memories, the scents, flavors and silences perceived and experienced during this trip to discover the Canavese.

See you soon