Avigliana
Discover Avigliana, a medieval gem in the heart of Val di Susa
Introduction
Hello friends! Today I want to talk to you about Avigliana, a Piedmontese municipality of just over 12,000 inhabitants located a few kilometers from Turin. You will be surprised to discover how rich this place is in history, culture, and natural beauty.
Physical Geography
Territory
Avigliana lies at 383 m above sea level in Val di Susa, a hilly area that enchants for its beauty. Crossed by the Dora Riparia river, the municipality has two splendid lakes, Lake Avigliana and Lake Avigliana, which are part of the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park.
Climate
Avigliana's climate is typical of northern Italy, with cold winters and hot but not torrid summers, thanks to its location protected by the Alps.
Origin of the name
The name Avigliana derives from the Roman name Avillius, with the suffix "-ana" indicating belonging. The name was first attested in 1098 as "Aviliana." On the opposite side of the river, the site of Drubiaglio owes its Latin name "Ad Urbiacum" and was the customs collection point for the "quadragesima Galliarum," a tax on goods in transit between Italy and Gaul.
History
Prehistory and ancient times
Avigliana boasts evidence of human presence dating back to the Neolithic period, with traces of a pile dwelling found in the nineteenth century in the swamps near the lakes. Stone and bronze age finds have also been found, including axes and cups used by Celtic druids for sacrificial ceremonies.
The founding of a settlement dates back to 595 BC by Celtic leader Belloveso, while in Roman times Avigliana was on the border between the ager taurinensis and the kingdom of the Cozii of Marcus Julius Cozio. The city was the appropriate seat for collecting the "quadragesima galliarum," the duty on goods from Gaul. In 312, Avigliana witnessed the passage of the legions of Constantine I and the clash with Massenzio's in the plain of Rivoli.
The Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, Avigliana became an important fortified center. In 574, the first fortifications were erected on Mount Pezzulano, where the Avigliana Castle still stands, built by Clefi, king of the Lombards. According to some sources, the battle of 750 between the troops of Pepin the Short, king of the Franks, and Astolfo, king of the Lombards, took place near the city.
The history of Avigliana was closely related to the events of the Novalesa Abbey, founded by the Order of St. Benedict, which built a hospital for pilgrims from France after crossing the Alps.
Places of interest
The Sacra di San Michele
If you visit Avigliana, the first mandatory stop is the Sacra di San Michele, one of the most beautiful monuments of Italian medieval architecture, located on the top of Mount Pirchiriano. The church was built between the 10th and 12th centuries and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Christian world. The view of Val di Susa from the Sagrario is breathtaking.
The Avigliana Castle
The Avigliana Castle, located on Mount Pezzulano, is another treasure of the town. Of Lombard origin, the castle was enlarged between the 13th and 15th centuries and was used as a noble residence. Today it houses the Avigliana School of Advanced Artistic and Musical Training and the Municipal Library.
The historical center
Walking through the streets of the historic center of Avigliana is a unique experience, among historic buildings, courtyards, and ancient arcades. Not to be missed are the visit to the Clock Tower, the Besièra Gate, and the Ferrata Gate, ancient entrances to the town.
The Avigliana Lakes
The Avigliana Lakes are places of great beauty, frequented by Avigliana citizens and tourists. Lake Grande is the largest of the two and is suitable for swimming, with beaches and bathing establishments. Lake Piccolo, on the other hand, is a nature reserve that houses numerous species of birds.
The Casa del Conte Verde
The Casa del Conte Verde, located on the hill of San Giovanni, is a historic Gothic palace that houses the Archaeological Civic Museum, with historical evidence of the city and the area from the Paleolithic to the Roman era.
Conclusion
Avigliana is a medieval gem in the heart of Val di Susa, a municipality rich in history and natural beauty that can be admired throughout the year. Now that you have discovered everything there is to know about Avigliana, what are you waiting for to visit it? How about organizing an outing to discover this splendid municipality? You won't regret it!
