Forno Canavese

Access

In terms of access, Forno Canavese is easily reached from the province of Turin via the local road network and the provincial road . The municipality is served by extra-urban buses (GTT lines), while the nearest railway station is in Rivarolo Canavese. The reference airport is Turin Caselle. The location allows quick connections with other localities in the Canavese valleys and the Gran Paradiso National Park.

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Introduction

Forno Canavese is a municipality located in the north-central area of the metropolitan city of Turin, in the Canavese region, at the foot of the Graian Alps. The territory covers 17 km² with altitudes ranging from around 400 m above sea level on the banks of the Viana stream to 1971 m on the summit of Monte Soglio, the highest local elevation. The location of the village, nestled between alpine valleys and hilly areas, allows for a varied landscape dominated by forests, meadows and streams, with nature still preserved and rich in biodiversity.

Description

The village of Forno Canavese is historically characterised by the presence of numerous lime kilns, an activity that has marked the economic life of the village and whose memory is preserved both in the municipal coat of arms and in some elements of the local heritage. Forno's origins are very ancient: traces of settlements date back to the Palaeolithic period, as attested by the menhir in the area, while Roman finds indicate a continuity of habitation. The village was a fief of the Valperga family, then of the Marquises of Monferrato and the Savoy family from the 17th century onwards. Over the centuries, Forno has experienced sieges and looting, administrative autonomy (acquired in 1657) and important resistance episodes such as the Battle of Monte Soglio during the Second World War.
The local community keeps its traditions alive through annual events of particular relevance, such as the Sagra del Canestrello, which promotes the typical local dessert (canestrelli tonenghesi); dairy production includes the toma di Lanzo and tomini accompanied by local honey, while in terms of wine Forno is part of the production area of Erbaluce di Caluso, as well as typical Piedmontese red wines. The salampatata, a salami made with pork and boiled potatoes, is also an expression of the area's gastronomic culture.
The tourist and naturalistic offer of Forno Canavese is mainly linked to hiking: the Alta Via Canavesana, an itinerary that winds through the local Alps and connects numerous villages, valleys and panoramic points, starts here. The paths vary in difficulty and length, allowing even less experienced hikers to venture among chestnut groves, alpine pastures and historic villages; sporting activities range from trekking to climbing, from paragliding to cycling, with itineraries suitable for every season of the year. Places of interest include the Mulino Val, symbol of the village and a rare example of a Dutch-style windmill built in 1966 in memory of Giuseppe Val, a scenic spot offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
Culturally and religiously, the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is the main sacred building in the community, which celebrates its patron saint on 15 August; religious celebrations, festivals and the local carnival maintain a close link with popular Piedmontese traditions.

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Information

Area: 16.50 km²
Altitude: 584m
Maximum elevation: 1.971m - Monte Soglio
Inhabitants: 3461
Name in dialect: Ël Forn
Inhabitants' name: fornesi
Patron Saint: Assumption of the Virgin Mary (8 September)
Bordering towns: Corio, Levone, Pratiglione, Rivara, Rocca Canavese
Website: www.comune.fornocanavese.to.it