Pianezza

Welcome to Pianezza, a town in the heart of Piedmont

Pianezza is a town in the metropolitan city of Turin, located on the western outskirts of the city, bordering other municipalities such as San Gillio, Collegno, Alpignano, and Rivoli. With its 15,670 inhabitants, Pianezza is a quiet and welcoming place, ideal for those who want to live close to the city but away from the urban chaos. In this short guide, we will tell you about some highlights of the territory and history of Pianezza.

Pianezza: a Piemontese gem between history and nature.

Physical Geography

Territory

Pianezza boasts a vast territory, which extends over a flat surface but interspersed with small hills, with peaks that never exceed 325 meters above sea level. The municipality is located to the left of the Dora Riparia and Rio Fellone, at the entrance to the lower Susa Valley. From here, you can admire the eastern wall of Mount Musinè.

Climate

The territory enjoys a sub-continental temperate climate, characterized by cold and predominantly sunny winters, and hot summers thanks to the breezes coming from the nearby mountains.

History

Pre-Roman and Roman era

No remains of Celtic populations prior to the Roman era have ever been found, but during the excavations of the new variant of the State Road 24 of Monginevro, Roman artifacts were found. The area was very popular for its strategic location along the Road of France, which saw armies and pilgrims passing through. Here, probably, the Battle of Turin took place in 312.

Toponymy

Pianezza and the Susa Valley were occupied by the Frankish Kingdom, and in the 10th century by the Hungarians. It is said that in 985 the area was donated to the Abbey of Novalesa by a certain Sismondo with the name "Loco Planicio." In the eleventh century, it passed under the control of the Torino march, which fortified it. In 1159, Frederick Barbarossa erected a Pianezza Castle near the Dora Riparia. In the twelfth century, Pianezza became a stronghold of episcopal power, with the population gathered around the nearby Pieve di San Pietro, the Pianezza Castle, and the fortified village.

Conclusions

Pianezza represents a quiet and welcoming place, where history blends with nature and the beauty of the territory. Among the opportunities that the municipality offers, there are cultural events, festivals, and events that animate social life. This small town is ready to welcome visitors with its warm and traditional atmosphere, which shows the true essence of Piedmont. Come and discover Pianezza!

Ludovica Neri
Wrote by Ludovica Neri
Updated Wednesday, Feb 2, 2022