Top 19 Castles around Avigliana
Best castles around Avigliana are situated in a region known for its strategic historical importance at the mouth of the Susa Valley, about 25 km from Turin. The area features a prominent historic castle, the Castello di Avigliana, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Avigliana lakes. This location, within the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park, combines historical sites with natural landscapes. The medieval village of Avigliana, with its ancient streets and churches, developed at the foot of the castle ruins, providing a rich historical context for visitors.
Best castles around Avigliana
- The most popular castles is Sacra di San Michele, a religious building that is considered the symbol of Piedmont. It offers a scenic route for ascent and descent.
- Another must-see spot is Rivoli Castle and Panoramic View of Turin, a castle and viewpoint. Visitors can experience a 360° panoramic view of Turin and explore the castle, which houses a contemporary art museum.
- Visitors also love Avigliana Castle, a historical site with castle ruins. This 10th-century castle offers an excellent panoramic point with a 360° view of the lakes and surrounding mountains.
- Avigliana is known for its historical castle ruins, fortified structures, and castles repurposed as museums. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from ancient ruins with historical significance to sites housing contemporary art.
- The castles around Avigliana are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 390 upvotes and over 530 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Sacra di San Michele
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Castello di Rivoli Museum of Contemporary Art
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The museum's activity was inaugurated on 18 December 1984 with the Ouverture exhibition, curated by the then director Rudi Fuchs. The exhibition included works created by artists exponents of conceptual art, minimalism, Land Art, poor art and trans-avant-garde, and was conceived as an ideal model for a permanent collection to be established only later, starting from the nineties.
Rivoli Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a fascinating, intricate and evocative history.
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Reano Castle
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After having been the subject of various defensive constructions, in the XIII century the castle underwent new architectural interventions which gave it its current appearance.
Its history is closely linked to the Dal Pozzo family who bought it in 1566 and remained in possession of it for centuries, until the death in 1876 of Princess Maria Vittoria, Lady of Reano and Queen of Spain, a figure very dear to the people of Reano for the his sensitivity and generosity. Currently the Castle is privately owned.
After lengthy legal proceedings, which led to the auctioning of the rich and precious furnishings of the over seven hundred rooms, the building was purchased by a wealthy Egyptian oilman married to a young woman from Reano. The new owner, who lives there permanently, has had extensive restoration work carried out. Today he is trying to restore the castle to its former glory. The memory of the Princes of the Cisterna lives today in the Chapel of the Madonna della Pietà, which in addition to the family tomb, where Prince Carlo Emanuele, his wife Louise de Merode and his second daughter Beatrice rest, houses three valuable paintings belonging to the famous pictorial cycle of Pietrafitta . These were executed by some of the best Tuscan painters present in Florence at the end of the sixteenth century. The chapel was now home to a museum inaugurated in 2014 on the initiative of Councilor Giuseppe Morra.
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Rivoli Castle and Panoramic View of Turin
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Orsini Counts' Castle of Rivalta
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Tips from the Community
The Rivalta cycle path passes in front of the castle
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Very beautiful castle and town
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The Castello di Rivoli is a wonderful building, which overlooks a wonderful panorama towards Turin and its Hill. For lovers of the genre, the Museum of Contemporary Art hosted inside is a destination not to be missed (in my youth I visited it several times).
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last stretch of the road that goes up to Colle Braida, well paved but very crowded, be careful especially when going down. the last 100 meters are paved, to get to the entrance
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Beautiful little village, at the crossroads of several roads on the moraine hill, both on asphalt and on dirt. If you go to the moraine hill you pass by it, you might as well enjoy it.
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Really beautiful. Must see.
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The Sacra di San Michele is an abbey perched on the summit of Mount Pirchiriano. From the 12th to the 15th century it experienced its best period becoming one of the main centers of Benedictine spirituality in Italy. Today it can be visited and, after climbing the 243 steps, from its summit you can enjoy a splendid view of the valley.
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The climb to the castle is tiring, but once you get to the top the view of Turin is well worth it
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of the castles around Avigliana?
The castles in the Avigliana area hold immense historical importance, primarily due to their strategic location at the mouth of the Susa Valley. The Avigliana Castle, for instance, dates back to the 10th century and was a crucial stronghold, often called the 'key to the Susa Valley.' These sites reflect centuries of conflict and the influence of the Savoy family, offering a tangible connection to Piedmont's past.
Which castles offer the best panoramic views in the Avigliana region?
For breathtaking panoramic views, the Avigliana Castle ruins are highly recommended. From its elevated position, you can enjoy 360-degree vistas of the Avigliana lakes, the morainic hill of Rivoli, and the famous Sacra di San Michele. Similarly, Rivoli Castle and Panoramic View of Turin also provides a spectacular 360° view of Turin and its surroundings.
Are the castles around Avigliana suitable for families?
Yes, several castles in the Avigliana area are family-friendly. The Avigliana Castle ruins are easily accessible from the town center, making it a good option for a family outing. Castello di Rivoli Museum of Contemporary Art and Orsini Counts' Castle of Rivalta are also categorized as family-friendly, offering engaging experiences for all ages.
What outdoor activities can I do near the castles in Avigliana?
The area around Avigliana's castles is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and mountain biking. For instance, there are hiking trails like the 'Lago Grande di Avigliana e Monte Pezzulano — Round trip' and various gravel biking and MTB routes that explore the natural beauty surrounding the historical sites. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Avigliana, Gravel biking around Avigliana, and MTB Trails around Avigliana guides.
What natural features can I see when visiting the castles?
When visiting the castles, especially Avigliana Castle, you'll be immersed in a beautiful natural setting. The castle overlooks the Avigliana lakes (Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo) and is situated within the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park. The views often include the morainic hill of Rivoli and the surrounding mountains like Musinè and Pirchiriano, which mark the beginning of the Susa Valley.
Are there hiking trails around the castles in Avigliana?
Yes, there are several hiking trails that lead to or pass by the castles. The walk up to Avigliana Castle from the old town offers picturesque lake views. For more extensive hikes, you can explore routes like 'Lago Grande di Avigliana e Monte Pezzulano — Round trip' or 'Lago Piccolo di Avigliana, Pera Luvera e Monte Cuneo — Round trip.' Find more options in the Hiking around Avigliana guide.
What can I expect to see at the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2643646" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Avigliana Castle</a>?
The Avigliana Castle consists mainly of 10th-century ruins, but it's a significant historical site. You'll find external walls, parts of the elliptical layout, some walkways with watchtowers, and underground rooms. While the castle itself is largely ruined, its primary draw is the exceptional 360° panoramic view of the Avigliana lakes, the Susa Valley, and the Turin plain. The medieval village below also offers a rich historical context.
Does <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/834994" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rivoli Castle</a> offer more than just historical exploration?
Yes, Rivoli Castle is not only a historical site but also houses the Castello di Rivoli Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum, inaugurated in 1984, features works from various contemporary art movements. So, visitors can explore centuries of history alongside modern artistic expressions, all while enjoying panoramic views of Turin.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in Avigliana?
The best time to visit the castles around Avigliana, especially for outdoor activities and enjoying the panoramic views, is typically during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is generally mild and pleasant for walking and exploring, and the natural scenery is particularly vibrant or colorful. Summer can also be good, but it can get quite warm.
Are there any legends associated with the castles in Avigliana?
Yes, the Avigliana Castle is steeped in local legends. Tales include stories of a buried chest of gold hidden within its ruins and even a haunting by one of the Savoy Lords. These stories add a mysterious and intriguing layer to the historical exploration of the site.
What kind of historical sites can I explore in the Avigliana area besides castles?
Beyond the castle ruins, the historic center of Avigliana itself is a well-preserved medieval village. Starting from Piazza Conte Rosso, you can stroll through ancient streets and discover many palaces, churches such as San Pietro, Santa Maria, and San Giovanni, and porticoes that showcase architectural evolution from Romanesque to Gothic styles between the 12th and 15th centuries. This provides a rich historical context for the castle.
Can I bring my dog to the trails near Avigliana's castles?
Many outdoor trails in the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park area, including those leading to viewpoints and historical sites, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always advisable to keep your dog on a leash, especially in protected natural areas or near historical ruins, and to check for any specific local regulations or signage at the entrance to parks or sites.
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