Montalto Dora
Montalto Dora: a journey through the history and nature of Piedmont
Welcome back, friends! In this article, I will talk about Montalto Dora, a municipality located in the metropolitan city of Turin, in the heart of Piedmont, Italy. Thanks to its particular geographical location, Montalto Dora has been an important hub since Roman times. Let's discover together its history and places of interest.
History
Montalto Dora is one of the municipalities that lie along the Via delle Gallie, a Roman road built by Augustus to connect the Po Valley with Gaul. The village's location made it a strategic point, used over the centuries as a guard for the Ivrea lake plain and the road leading to the Aosta Valley.
Monuments and places of interest
Castle
The Castle of Montalto Dora is certainly the symbol of the village. Located on the top of Mount Crovero, it stands on a Roman-era village. Built in the middle of the 12th century, it underwent numerous destruction and reconstruction interventions until it took on its current appearance thanks to the restoration of architect Alfredo d'Andrade in 1890. The building, now privately owned, is open to the public and is a must-see for history and art enthusiasts.
Parish of Sant'Eusebio
The parish church of Montalto Dora, dedicated to Sant'Eusebio, dates back to 1242. In 1812, it underwent a significant restoration during the construction of the Napoleon road to Aosta. Inside, it houses marvelous frescoes by painter Visetti di Montanaro and the sepulcher of Vallesa.
Villa Casana
Villa Casana is a noble residence located in the center of the village. Built by Baron Valesa in 1732, it was later expanded by Count Alessandro Vallesa with the help of architect Giuseppe Maria Talucchi. Today, the villa has become a Benedictine monastery.
Church of San Rocco
Built between the end of the 15th and the beginning of the 16th century, the Church of San Rocco is an important place of worship in the village. Its main artistic interest lies in the numerous frescoes that decorate its interior walls.
Pistono and Nero Lakes
The territory of Montalto Dora is characterized by the presence of two small lakes, Lake Nero and Lake Pistono. Both were created in the Pleistocene era by the ancient glacier that crossed the Dora Baltea valley. The natural beauty of these two bodies of water makes them an ideal destination for outdoor excursions and picnics.
Airfield
The presence of the airfield represents an important resource for the territory of Montalto Dora. With its 620 meters in length and 30 meters in width, the runway attracts many aviation enthusiasts and represents a reference point for those traveling between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont.
Conclusions
Montalto Dora represents a truly interesting tourist destination for those who want to discover the history and beauty of Piedmont. The Castle, the Parish of Sant'Eusebio, Villa Casana, the Church of San Rocco, and the Pistono and Nero Lakes are just some of the treasures that this municipality offers to visitors. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this multi-faceted location and enjoy the beauty of Piedmont's nature and art.
