Tavagnasco

Access

The municipality can be easily reached via the State Road of Valle d'Aosta, which connects it both to Ivrea, an important railway junction, and to Valle d'Aosta. Tavagnasco has a railway station along the Ivrea-Aosta line, connected to the main stations in Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta. The nearest airport is Turin-Caselle, which can be reached by car or through the area's rail and car connections. The local road network provides easy access to the hamlets and the centre of the village, facilitating mobility towards hiking trails and itineraries. Essential services such as a pharmacy, bank and school activities are also present. The territory is included in the Dora Baltea Mountain Union and borders the municipalities of Settimo Vittone, Quincinetto, Traversella, Brosso, and the Valle d'Aosta municipality of Donnas.

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Introduction

Tavagnasco is a municipality located in northern Canavese, within the metropolitan city of Turin, in Piedmont. The territory develops in the Dora Baltea Valley, between the flat area and the mid-mountain reliefs that make up the Ivrea morainic amphitheatre, offering a composite landscape where agricultural areas, woodland formations and rocks shaped by glacial action coexist. The area, of modest size, represents a gateway to the Alpine valleys and preserves historical traces that testify to the continuity of settlement promoted by its proximity to the Dora Baltea and the passageways to the Valle d'Aosta.

Description

The environmental context of Tavagnasco is marked by the difference in altitude from 256 metres at the bottom of the valley to almost 1955 metres at the summit of Mount Gregorio, providing a clear variety of landscapes and natural environments. The territory is criss-crossed by paths, wooded areas, meadows and rock formations, forming a network of hiking trails and a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The hamlets and villages in the area contain elements of rural architecture and evidence of a culture that has been able to preserve the local identity, thanks also to traditional festivals and religious celebrations dedicated to the patron saint, Santa Margherita.
The origins of Tavagnasco date back to pre-Roman times, as suggested by rock engravings and archaeological finds. The first document attesting to the presence of an organised community dates back to 1291, when the municipal statutes were publicly approved. Over the following centuries, the history of the village was intertwined with that of the parish church of San Lorenzo and the development of the church of Santa Margherita, built between 1409 and 1642. The village has maintained a rural structure adapted to the needs of a predominantly agricultural community, strengthened by its geographical position that favoured trade and the connection between Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta.
The local economy is traditionally linked to agriculture, sheep farming and trade that, historically, took advantage of the proximity of the Dora Baltea river. Over time, small handicraft activities and a few productive settlements, typical of mountain communities, have developed. The presence of hiking trails, such as the one leading to the Belvedere, and the organisation of events such as the 'castagnata in piazza' enrich the tourist offer and social life of the municipality, consolidating the value of local culture.
The traditions are still alive thanks to the patronal festivals and civil celebrations, which involve residents and visitors alike. Tavagnasco, a Floral Commune since 2011, is also known for its attention to the care of the urban environment and green areas. Of particular note among the cultural initiatives are the anniversaries dedicated to history, such as the anniversary of the Ivrea-Quincinetto railway, and the legends linked to the rocks and woods surrounding the town.

Information

Area: 8.67 km²
Altitude: 270m
Maximum elevation: 1.955m - Monte Gregorio
Number of inhabitants: 746 (2023)
Name in dialect: Tavagnasch
Name of inhabitants: Tavagnaschesi
Patron Saint: Santa Margherita, 13 July
Bordering municipalities: Settimo Vittone, Quincinetto, Traversella, Brosso, Donnas
Website: www.comune.tavagnasco.to.it