Nichelino
Nichelino, the city of the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge
Are you ready to discover the history and physical geography of Nichelino? This Piedmontese city, located about 5 km south of Turin, is part of the metropolitan area of the city and has a population of 46,293. In 2000, the President of the Italian Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi officially awarded Nichelino the title of city in Italy. But what is the most important monument in Nichelino? Without a doubt, the prestigious Stupinigi Hunting Lodge, a residence built for the House of Savoy between 1729 and 1733 on the design of the architect Filippo Juvarra. In 1997, UNESCO declared the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge a world heritage site.
History of Nichelino
The history of Nichelino has ancient roots and dates back to Roman times, when the area was a point of passage on the way to the Alps and France. The first certain historical sources cite Nichelino as a borough of the nearby Moncalieri. In the 17th century, the Occelli family laid the foundations for building their own prestige and redeeming the future city. However, in 1586, Nichelino was hit by the plague, which caused the death of many inhabitants. There were twenty suspected plague-carriers imprisoned and sentenced to death, executed in Piazza Castello in Turin. The disease prevailed and was only eradicated at the end of the 17th century. In the 17th century, the Occelli family acquired the castle of Nichelino and obtained the title of Counts of Nicolino. Thanks to their financial position, they obtained numerous privileges, including the feud, the administration of justice, rights regarding the hunting and fishing of the Sangone river, the organization of agricultural activities, and the definition of tolls.
Physical geography of Nichelino
The territory of Nichelino covers an area of about 20.64 km² and has a uniform geological structure, of alluvial nature. The city is located in a completely flat territory, near the confluences of the Chisola and Sangone streams into the Po river, near the nearby Moncalieri, to the east of the municipality. To the west, Nichelino borders the hamlet of Borgaretto di Beinasco, through the prestigious Stupinigi Hunting Lodge, which also borders the municipality of Orbassano. To the south, instead, it borders the hamlet of Garino di Vinovo. The inhabited center is crossed by the 45th Parallel, the equidistant line between the North Pole and the Equator.
In conclusion, Nichelino is a city that boasts a centuries-old history and a flat territory of great beauty. If you plan to visit Turin, take the time to discover this enchanting town, which will fascinate you with its Stupinigi Hunting Lodge and its past linked to the Occelli family.
