Balangero

Access

Balangero is easily reached by various means of transport. By car, from the city of Turin, follow the provincial road , then the provincial road in the direction of the Lanzo Valleys. The A55 motorway (northern ring road) connects the capital to Caselle, from where you continue to Mathi and finally to Balangero. Those travelling by train can take the Turin-Ceres line, which serves the Balangero railway station with frequent connections from Turin Porta Susa and Porta Nuova. For those arriving by plane, the Turin-Caselle airport is less than 15 km from the town centre. The internal road system allows easy connections with the Lanzo Valley towns, guaranteeing convenient access for both residents and visitors.

Introduction

About 30 kilometres from Turin, Balangero is located on the extreme western edge of the Canavese area, historically playing the role of link between the wide plains of the Turin area and the first alpine undulations of the Lanzo Valleys. This strategic position has marked the history of the village, bearing witness to the transits and dominations that have taken place over the centuries. The landscape is dominated by morainic reliefs and the foothills of the Alps, with altitudes ranging from 405 m to 898 m above sea level; the inhabited centre is 440 m above sea level, nestled in a hilly area that opens out towards the plains.

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Description

The presence of man in the territory of Balangero is attested since Roman times: the discovery of a necropolis and minor archaeological finds suggests the existence of a municipality already in that phase. The place-name Balangero, however, is of medieval origin and, according to historical reconstructions, derives from the name of Marquis Berengario II, a central figure in the 10th century for the foundation of the local castle. In documents of the time, the village was known as Matingo, as recorded in a deed of 991. The castle, the subject of numerous disputes between the Achaia and Savoy families, later became a fief of the bishop of Ivrea and then the property of the Counts San Martino of Baldissero. Completely rebuilt in the 14th century, in the 18th century the structure was transformed into a residential villa by the Ripa di Meana and Oddone di Feletto families. The Cappella della Vespiola, recognised as a monument of national interest, stands out in the area: it is one of the oldest parish churches in the Ivrea diocese, among the top ten in the region, testifying to the early Christianisation of the area.In addition to its historical and archaeological value, Balangero preserves an urban fabric that reflects the stratification of the different eras, with rural buildings, stately residences and religious testimonies. The Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Martiri and the Chapel of Vespiola represent points of interest for those wishing to explore the local cultural identity.Balangero, whose dialectal name is not documented in the main sources, had approximately 3,061 residents, known as balangeresi, as of 2024. The population has remained stable in recent years, with a slight decrease over the first decades of the 21st century, a phenomenon common to many towns in the Turin belt. The town's patron saint is St. James the Greater, officially celebrated on 25 July with religious celebrations in the parish church of the same name and community gatherings.The municipal territory covers about 13.01 km², bordering the municipalities of Cafasse, Coassolo Torinese, Corio, Lanzo Torinese and Mathi. The altitude varies from 405 to 898 metres, with an average altitude of approximately 533 m a.s.l. According to ISTAT parameters and municipal sources, the population density exceeds 230 inhabitants per square kilometre.
The environmental context is characterised by a mixture of agricultural areas, woods and mountain nuclei that represent a gateway to the Lanzo Valleys and the pre-alpine area of Turin. Although not included in specific protected areas, the Balangerese territory offers significant hiking and naturalistic opportunities, ideal for those who prefer less frequented routes and rural contexts.

Information

Area: 13.01 sq km
Altitude: 440m
Maximum elevation:
Number of inhabitants:3219
Name in dialect:
Inhabitants' name:
Patron Saint:
Website:
Webcam:
Neighbouring towns: Cafasse, Coassolo Torinese, Corio, Lanzo Torinese, Mathi
 Villages and hamlets:
Highlands:

Points of interest

• Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Martiri