Pino Torinese is located 11 km from Turin and has about 8,400 inhabitants, spread across the urban center and various hamlets (Cento Croci, Monte Aman, San Felice, Strada dei Colli-Panoramica, Tetti Gilardi, Tetti Menzio, Tetti Miglioretti, and Valle Ceppi). The town is situated between Montosolo Hill and the hill known as Bric della Torre Rotonda, home to the Astronomical Observatory and the Infini-To Museum. On Montosolo Hill, there used to be a castle, now reduced to the remains of a square-shaped tower.
The earliest settlement dates back to the 3rd-4th century AD, with the first documented records dating to 996, mentioning a chapel cared for by the monks of Nonantola and a stronghold on Montosolo Hill. This stronghold was fortified by the House of Savoy around 1250, and the town began to expand around it. Like neighboring towns, Pino went through a difficult period caused by wars against the French and aggravated by plague epidemics until it was definitively subjugated by the House of Savoy. From then on, it followed the historical events of Turin, initially maintaining an economy predominantly based on agriculture, enriched by the summer vineyards of noble families. Later, it developed an appreciated residential vocation while preserving unique landscape values. Part of the territory is included in the Natural Park of the Turin Hills, and since 2016, the area has been recognized as a UNESCO MAB (Man and the Biosphere) site of interest.
Places of Interest
The Parish Church of the Most Holy Annunciation (circa 1250) is located in one of the highest areas of Pino Torinese, featuring a centuries-old cypress tree and an exceptional viewpoint on the church’s square. Nearby is the Carmelite Monastery, both are suggestive examples of Piedmontese Baroque architecture.
Managed by the Carmelites from 1490 until Napoleon’s suppression in 1802, the church, in its current architecture with the adjoining convent, dates back to the second half of the 17th century. Inside, you’ll find a wooden choir from the 16th century and a multitude of stuccoes crafted by the same artisans who worked on the Royal Palace of Venaria. The Vegezzi Bossi organ dates from 1858.
The Tower of Montosolo in the locality of Torre Pino is where the oldest nucleus of present-day Pino Torinese was built. Of medieval origin, it is strategically located (for military, commercial, and political purposes) between Turin and Chieri. Erected on a square-shaped rock, the lower part is made of stone blocks, while the rest is constructed with large bricks.
Castelvecchio, a square and solid construction, has a facade simply decorated with a cornice supported by brackets and lacks battlements. The corners are equipped with small bell towers or guard towers, more for ornamentation than defense. Inside, there is a neo-medieval style hall on the ground floor. The frescoes on the staircase are original and can be dated to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. A covered passage connects the “castle” to the small chapels on Via S. Felice, richly decorated with Baroque paintings.
Infini-TO Astronomical Park
(Tel. 011 8118740 www.planetarioditorino.it – info@planetarioditorino.it).
Located on the Hill of the Round Tower at an elevation of 620 m, the Turin Planetarium and the Museum of Astronomy and Space are adjacent to the Astronomical Observatory, originally located in the center of Turin and later transferred to Pino Torinese between 1907 and 1912. The planetarium, housed within the museum, has 98 seats. Using modern interactive exhibition techniques, it provides the public with the latest knowledge about the universe. In addition to the museum’s collection, visitors can attend shows in the digital planetarium, take guided tours, follow in-depth paths, and engage in scientific experiments through various workshops.
The Museum of Farming and Material Culture
(Piazzale Boglione, Valle Ceppi – Tel 333 2743291 muscovol@gmail.com)
The museum adopts the rotation of agricultural seasons as its exhibition criterion, collecting, restoring, and setting up objects that belong to the local small-scale history. It is managed by the Volunteer Forum – Volunteering School Desk.
Near the museum, you can find the Church of the Blessed Virgin of Graces, built in 1630 as a votive offering in gratitude for protection from the plague. It houses a valuable altarpiece from 1752.