San Giorgio Canavese
Welcome to Canavese: a land of history, nature, and culture
If you're looking for an Italian region rich in history, nature, and culture, Canavese is the place for you! Located between the Serra morenica di Ivrea, the Po river, the Stura di Lanzo and the Graian Alps, Canavese stretches between Turin and the Aosta Valley, known for Ivrea, Chivasso, Caluso, Cirié, Cuorgnè, Rivarolo Canavese and Castellamonte.
The physical geography of Canavese
The geographical area of Canavese does not have a unique definition. According to the "Guida del Canavese" written by A. Maselli in 1904, Canavese extends from the Po to the Graian Alps. A more recent definition given by the Treccani Encyclopedia, extends Canavese to the vast plain area around Chivasso.
Canavese is crossed by several rivers such as the Dora Baltea, Chiusella, Soana, Orco, and Malone. The region is surrounded by the Anfiteatro morenico di Ivrea and the Graian Alps, which offer a spectacular view of the high mountains.
We cannot fail to mention the numerous lakes in the region, including Lake Candia and Lake Viverone on the eastern border with the Biella province.
The main cities of Canavese
The main city of Canavese is Ivrea, a Celtic-origin city that became a Roman municipality in the 1st century BC. However, one of the most famous toponyms of the region is "cuorgnatese." According to some, it may be linked to the ancient cultivation of cannabis in the area. The inhabitants of the region are called "canavesani ".
Canavese is generally divided into three parts: Alto Canavese, Eporediese, and Basso Canavese. Alto Canavese is located around Cuorgnè, Rivarolo Canavese, and Castellamonte, while Eporediese is located around Ivrea and enclosed by its Anfiteatro morenico di Ivrea. Basso Canavese starts from the municipality of Leini and extends to Chivasso.
Parks and nature reserves
Canavese has many protected natural areas, including the Gran Paradiso National Park, the Turin Po Park, the Natural Park of Lake Candia, the Sacred Mountain of Belmonte, the Monti Pelati Nature Reserve and the Vauda Nature Reserve. These places are perfect for those who love walking, hiking or simply enjoying the unspoiled nature.
The history of Canavese
Canavese boasts a rich history of culture and tradition. In the Canavese area have been found many archaeological findings dating back to the Neolithic period. After the end of the last glaciation (about 12,000 years ago), the only livable environment in the Alpine arc were the reliefs, where an ecosystem comparable to the current sub-arctic tundra constituted an ideal habitat for numerous herds of ungulates.
Canavese was a land coveted by many peoples, such as the Celts, Romans, and Lombards. The city of Ivrea was very important during the Roman period, being one of the main Roman municipalities of the time.
During the Middle Ages, Canavese was under the control of the Saracens, and then of the Franks from Frankfurt. In the thirteenth century, Canavese passed under the control of the Savoy lordship. During the following centuries, many castles and churches were built, becoming important symbols of the region.
The art and culture of Canavese
In addition to history and nature, Canavese is known for its art and culture. The Sacred Mountain of Belmonte is one of the most important places in Canavese from an artistic and cultural point of view, thanks to the 14 religious buildings built between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries.
The region is also famous for its ceramics, made in Castellamonte. Many ancient traditions have been maintained over time, such as the San Martino festival in Caluso, which takes place every year in November.
Canavese also offers many opportunities for food lovers, with its typical dishes such as bagna cauda, agnolotti, polenta, and fritto misto.
With its history, nature, art, and culture, Canavese is a place to visit absolutely. We are sure that once you visit the region, you will be enchanted by its beauty and richness. Come and visit us, Canavese awaits you with open arms!
