Luserna
Discovering Luserna San Giovanni
If you're looking for a destination off the beaten tourist track, Luserna San Giovanni might be the right choice. This Piedmontese municipality, located in the Val Pellice, boasts a privileged geographical position and a millenary history that make it a fascinating place.
Physical geography
Luserna San Giovanni is located in Western Piedmont, in a stretch of the Val Pellice characterized by the confluence of the Pellice, Luserna, and Angrogna streams. The climate is Mediterranean, with humid and mild summers and typical pre-alpine winters.
History
The history of the territory dates back to the 10th century BC when Taurini-Celtoliguri from Transalpine Gaul settled in the area. Later, the ancient Romans founded the agricultural-rural agglomeration of ''Airali'', which retained its name until the present day. After the barbarian invasions and the subsequent Lombards, the territory was invaded by Saracen armies and then by Carolingian fiefs.
The toponym ''Luserna'' could derive from the Latin ''ajra'' or ''aia'', which indicated a "courtyard where wheat was pounded", or from the Piedmontese word ''losa'' or the Occitan ''lausa'', which indicate the smooth stone extracted from the Luserna mountains. The territory was granted to the noble lords of the Luserna family, who built a fortified castle there. In the following century, the locality of San Giovanni was founded by the Augustinian canons who built a parish dedicated to St. John the Evangelist. Subsequently, the Waldensians spread their cults in the area, while Catholicism returned after the Piedmont Easter of 1655. In 1872, Luserna San Giovanni and San Giovanni Pellice merged into a single municipality.
What to see in Luserna San Giovanni
Luserna San Giovanni is a municipality rich in tourist attractions, both from a historical and naturalistic point of view.
The Castle of Luserna
The Castle of Luserna was built by the lords of the Luserna family in the 11th century. The building underwent numerous transformations over the centuries, and today it appears as an imposing manor with towers and bastions.
The Parish Church of St. John
The Parish Church of St. John was founded by the Augustinian canons in the 12th century and is one of the most important places of worship in the area. Inside, valuable works of art can be admired, including wooden sculptures and frescoes.
The Val Pellice River Park
The Val Pellice River Park extends over an area of about 19 hectares and represents one of the green lungs of the area. Inside the park, numerous outdoor activities can be practiced, such as trekking, mountain biking, and birdwatching.
What to eat in Luserna San Giovanni
Piedmontese cuisine is famous all over the world for its goodness and variety. Luserna San Giovanni is no exception and offers numerous typical dishes that will satisfy even the most demanding palates.
Polenta concia
Polenta concia is a typical Piedmontese dish, prepared with cornmeal, toma cheese, and butter.
Casoncelli alla piemontese
Casoncelli alla piemontese is a stuffed pasta in the shape of a half-moon, filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables.
Red beet risotto
Red beet risotto is an innovative recipe that involves the use of one of the most typical vegetables of the area. The risotto is enriched with toma cheese and hazelnuts.
Conclusion
Luserna San Giovanni is an ideal destination for those who want to discover an unspoiled corner of Piedmont. Its millennial history, its artistic and naturalistic treasures, and its gastronomy will also conquer the most demanding travelers.
