Located at the edge of the Italian Alps, this medieval town holds France's former prison fortress from the 17th century and Italy's oldest military riding school.
Pinerolo sits 40 kilometers southwest of Turin near the Alps. Visit the 9th-century Cathedral of San Donato to see its Gothic stonework. Learn about Italy’s first mutual aid society through documents and artifacts at the Museo Storico del Mutuo Soccorso. Stop by Galup confectionery to try their almond cakes, made since 1852. The town grew prosperous from its position on medieval trade routes connecting Italy and France.
Exploring Pinerolo’s Landmarks Start at the Cathedral of San Donato, where stone arches and faded frescoes reveal centuries of history. Climb the bell tower for views of red-tiled rooftops against mountain slopes. Five minutes east, the Museo Storico del Mutuo Soccorso displays handwritten ledgers and meeting minutes from 19th-century labor organizations. For a sweet break, walk to Via Principi d’Acaja 64 – Galup’s shop window fills with marzipan fruits and hazelnut biscuits daily except Sundays.
Day Trips to Alpine Valleys Local buses run hourly to Pragelato village (45 minutes), where hiking trails begin at 1,500 meters elevation. Rent snowshoes in winter from Rifugio Escarton near the bus stop for €10 per day. In summer, wildflower meadows along the Chisone River attract cyclists – ask about rental shops near Pinerolo’s train station.
Local Dining and Markets Butchers along Via Cavour sell toma cheese aged in mountain caves. Restaurants like Osteria del Borgo serve agnolotti pasta stuffed with roast meat, a Piedmontese specialty. On Saturdays, farmers sell white truffles and purple artichokes at Piazza Cavour from 8 AM until noon.
Practical Information The tourist office on Via Vescovo provides free maps and trail updates. Trains from Turin Porta Nuova station take 50 minutes; buy tickets at yellow machines before boarding. Most museums close Mondays and charge €3-5 admission. Wear sturdy shoes – cobblestone streets slope steeply near the cathedral.
