La Cassa
Discovering La Cassa: a mountain municipality in the metropolitan city of Turin
Welcome to La Cassa, a municipality of 1,768 inhabitants located at the foot of the first elevations of the Alpine chain in the metropolitan city of Turin. Here we offer a brief guide to discover its natural and architectural treasures and to learn more about its history and traditions.
Physical geography
La Cassa is a mountain village that extends over an area of 8.4 km². The mountainous part of the municipality includes two valleys that open towards the plain and are tributaries of the Ceronda (stream). The municipal territory culminates with Mount Bernard, which rises to 1,079 meters above sea level. The town center is located at 374 meters above sea level at the foot of Costa Bella, a ridge that fades into the slight undulations west of the La Mandria Regional Park. In the lowland part of the territory, in addition to the main town, there is the only other inhabited center of some importance, the hamlet of Truc di Miola, located north of the main town. There are also three small regions, namely Regione Pralungo, Regione Colverso, and Regione Mattodera, located respectively to the southwest, southeast, and north of the main town. Downstream from the town, near the Ceronda stream, there is an area of particular naturalistic value, the wetland area of La Cassa.
Origins of the name
La Cassa, whose name in Piedmontese means "the Hunt", was formerly a hunting reserve. The toponym "cassa" is also the basis for the verbs "arcassé" meaning "push back, repel" and "scassé" meaning to chase away. The name designates both the municipality and the main town. The inhabitants of the village are jokingly called "ij Cassarin", that is, the hunters, or "Ramassèt", but the reason for the latter denomination is not known. They are also called "Giordanin" because "Giordanino" was a very common surname among the ancient inhabitants.
Monuments and places of interest
La Cassa boasts some historical and artistic beauties, including the Church of San Lorenzo Martire, the Chapel of Santa Maria della Stella, and the Rocca Provana, a medieval fortress located on the top of the hill of San Giorgio. The Church of San Lorenzo Martire, located in the center of the village, is an important example of Baroque religious architecture. The construction of the church dates back to the 18th century, but the current facade was built in the 19th century. The Chapel of Santa Maria della Stella, located in the hamlet of Truc di Miola, dates back to the 15th century and is a beautiful example of Gothic religious architecture.
Society
In the last forty years, the resident population in La Cassa has doubled. Currently, the municipality hosts 1,768 inhabitants. The local community is very active and organizes several cultural and folk events throughout the year, including the patron saint festival of San Lorenzo, which is held every year on August 10th. During the festival, the village comes alive with events, concerts, fireworks displays, and stalls.
Conclusions
La Cassa is a mountain municipality characterized by a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those who love nature and outdoor life. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking landscape and an enviable historical and cultural heritage. If you feel like breaking away from the hectic city life to immerse yourself in the peace of the woods and mountains, La Cassa is the right destination for you!
