Giaveno

Giaveno: a picturesque town in Piedmont

Hello everyone! Today I want to tell you about Giaveno, a town located in the metropolitan city of Turin in the beautiful Italian region of Piedmont. With its 16,218 inhabitants, Giaveno is located in Val Sangone, an Alpine valley that offers breathtaking scenery to its visitors.

History

The history of Giaveno is very ancient, dating back to the Roman era according to some local historians. In the fifteenth century, the town developed the steel industry using iron ore extracted from nearby mines in Forno di Coazze. Until the nineteenth century, Giaveno thrived thanks to the textile industry which included the production of hemp, cotton, and jute. Of particular note is the production of silk, which reached its peak in the eighteenth century, and then declined at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Giaveno was the site of one of Italy's most important sporting innovations: skiing! In 1898, Swiss industrialist Adolfo Kind used skis for the first time on Italian mountains, climbing up to Monte Cugno dell'Alpet, east of Punta dell'Aquila, starting from the Prà Fieul hamlet.

Giaveno: historical and natural treasures in Piedmont

Industrial Development

In the twentieth century, Giaveno witnessed significant industrial development, but unfortunately also had to face the disappearance of the textile industry. After World War II, many textile companies closed, leaving the area to paper factories. However, most of the paper mills ceased production in recent decades, culminating in the closure of the last paper mill in 2014.

Origin of the name and honors

The origins of the toponym "Giaveno" are uncertain, but may be a continuation of the Gallic personal name "Gavinus." In addition, the town of Giaveno was awarded the Silver Medal for Military Valor for its activity in the partisan struggle during World War II.

Monuments and Places of Interest

The town of Giaveno preserves numerous architectural beauties, including the Church of San Lorenzo Martire, an important historical monument of the territory. In addition, the historic center is rich in historic and artistic buildings that testify to human presence in this valley for centuries.

An essential stop for all visitors is the Sanctuary of the Selvaggio, located in the hamlet of Selvaggio. Built in the first quarter of the twentieth century, the sanctuary is already well-known and frequented, able to offer peace and serenity to visitors.

Society and Education

Giaveno is a town in constant growth, with a resident population that has doubled since 1961. Education is guaranteed by the Blaise Pascal Technical Institute, born in 1974 as an experimental institute. The institute includes the Scientific High School, the Linguistic High School, and the Administration, Finance, and Marketing program.

In conclusion, Giaveno is an adorable town that I must absolutely visit. Its long and rich history, its splendid monuments and places of interest, and the natural environment that surrounds it are a winning combination for those who love culture and want to relax in peace. I hope this presentation has inspired you to plan a trip to discover the Val Sangone!

Ludovica Neri
Wrote by Ludovica Neri
Updated Sunday, Oct 16, 2022