San Martino Canavese
Let's discover Canavese: a region with a millennial past
Canavese is a region rich in history and traditions. Located in the north of Italy, in Piedmont, it is one of the largest and most fascinating geographical areas of the region. Also known as "Canavèis" in Piedmontese language, this region includes the territory between Turin and Aosta Valley, including the provinces of Biella and Vercelli.
The physical geography of Canavese
Canavese does not have a precise and unambiguous definition. According to the "Guida del Canavese" written by A. Maselli in 1904, Canavese is a geographical area including several cities and towns such as Ivrea, Chivasso, Caluso, Cirié, Cuorgnè, Rivarolo Canavese, and Castellamonte. However, according to the Treccani Encyclopedia, the Canavese area does not include Villareggia, located beyond the Dora Baltea.
The Canavese territory is characterized by the presence of several rivers including Dora Baltea, Chiusella, Soana, Orco, and Malone. The area is dominated by the moraine Amphitheatre of Ivrea and the Gran Paradiso mountain group. The territory is also enriched by the presence of numerous lakes, including Lake Candia and Lake Viverone along the eastern border with the province of Biella.
Parks and nature reserves of Canavese
Canavese offers many opportunities for nature lovers. The area is in fact characterized by the presence of numerous protected areas including the Gran Paradiso National Park, the Po Torinese Park, the Natural Park of Lake Candia, the Sacred Mount of Belmonte, the Monti Pelati Nature Reserve, and the Vauda Nature Reserve.
The history of Canavese
Canavese has a long and illustrious history. The area has seen the presence of several prehistoric communities, as evidenced by numerous archaeological findings dating back to the Neolithic period.
The environment that stood before the eyes of the first agricultural settlers of the moraine Amphitheatre of Ivrea was considerably different from the present one. After the end of the last glaciation, the reliefs of the Alps represented the only livable environment in the Alpine arch, with an ecosystem similar to the current sub-arctic tundra.
Canavese also has a strong Roman tradition, having been Ivrea a Roman municipality in the 1st century BC. The city of Ivrea was founded by the Celts and owes its name to the settlement of Cuorgnè, "Canava", located on the banks of the Orco river. The city of Ivrea was the hub of the region's commercial and cultural activities for centuries.
The division of Canavese
Canavese is divided into three parts - Alto Canavese, Eporediese, and Basso Canavese - each characterized by different cities and towns. Alto Canavese includes the surroundings of Cuorgnè, Rivarolo Canavese, Castellamonte, and the valleys of Orco, Soana, and Malone. Eporediese, instead, includes the territory enclosed by the moraine Amphitheatre of Ivrea, while Basso Canavese goes from Leini to Chivasso and includes the surroundings of San Giusto Canavese, Caluso, and Volpiano.
Conclusions
Canavese represents a region rich in history, culture, and traditions, ideal for those who want to discover Piedmont. The territory offers many opportunities for nature and history lovers, with the presence of parks and nature reserves, and the possibility of discovering the sacred paintings of the churches and shrines in the area. Canavese is an ideal destination for those who want to discover a corner of Piedmont off the beaten tourist paths.
