Villar Focchiardo
Villar Focchiardo: a municipality immersed in the nature of Val di Susa
Villar Focchiardo is a municipality located in the metropolitan city of Turin, situated in the beautiful Val di Susa and surrounded by the Orsiera-Rocciavrè Natural Park. This small town, which has approximately 1955 inhabitants, has ancient origins and a remarkable artistic and cultural heritage that makes it an interesting place to visit.
Physical geography
Villar Focchiardo is located at the entrance of Vallone del Gravio, where it departs from the main valley. The privileged position of the municipality, within the natural park, makes it an ideal place for mountain hiking and outdoor activities enthusiasts.
Origin of the name
The toponym "Villar" means "small villa, farm populated by peasants". "Fuciard" or "Fouchard", possibly of German origin, is probably derived from the name of a vassal. Many municipalities in Piedmont have the toponym "Villar", which probably dates back to the medieval period when Occitan was spoken.
Monuments and places of interest
The municipality of Villar Focchiardo has a rich cultural and artistic heritage. Among the most important monuments and places of interest are:
The Cascina Roland, a stopping point along the Via Francigena of the Susa Valley. This historic building is surrounded by a beautiful landscape of mountains and woods.
The Certosa of Montebenedetto, an ancient abbey built at the end of the twelfth century at about 1100 meters above sea level. The abbey was abandoned in the sixteenth century and today is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the municipality.
The Correria of Montebenedetto, of which some remains remain after a cyclopean landslide. It is an ancient Roman road that extended over a large mountainous area.
The Certosa of Banda, used between the 16th and 17th centuries. This building is located at about 600 meters above sea level and offers a spectacular view of the Susa Valley.
The parish church, built in the eighteenth century, is a fine example of baroque religious architecture in Piedmont.
The Castle of the Carroccio counts, a medieval fortress located on top of a hill.
The Casaforte of the Turinese Visconti di Baratonia and then of the Valsusini Bertrandi, an ancient noble residence.
Society
Demographic evolution
Ethnic groups and foreign minorities
In Villar Focchiardo there are also some foreign minorities. As of December 31, 2009, the foreign population residing in the municipality was 66 people, mainly from Romania.
Chestnut cultivation and Chestnut Festival
Villar Focchiardo is famous for the production of "marroni", the typical chestnuts of Val di Susa, which constitute an important economic resource for the municipality. Every year, on the third weekend of October, the "Sagra del Marrone" is held, a highly anticipated event that attracts tens of thousands of visitors.
Administration
The municipality of Villar Focchiardo has seen various administrations over the years, each of which has contributed to the development and growth of the territory.
Twinning
Other administrative information
The municipality of Villar Focchiardo is part of the Valle Susa and Val Sangone Mountain Community, and is a member of various consortia and associations that promote the economic and tourist development of the region.
Notes
The municipality of Villar Focchiardo is a place rich in history, culture and traditions, with a valuable artistic and natural heritage. Those who visit this splendid corner of Val di Susa cannot but be enchanted by the beauty of its landscapes and the sincerity of its people.
