Sciolze has approximately 1,500 inhabitants and is located 23 km from Turin. The name “Sciolze” is believed to derive from the Latin gentilicium “Sulcius.” The first traces of human settlements in the hilly territory of Sciolze, including stone tools, axes, and arrowheads, date back to the late Neolithic period. It was inhabited during Roman times, as evidenced by archaeological findings in the Castellaro region. Donated to the Nonantola Abbey before the year 1000, the territory was later transferred to the Biandrate Counts in 1034, as documented in records kept at the Vezzolano Canons. In the medieval era, the settlement was located on the Fagnour hill. In the 13th century, it became part of the free Municipality of Chieri. In 1312, the fief of Sciolze passed to the Asti-based Roero Counts, and in 1631, it was ceded to the Duchy of Savoy. In 1706, Sciolze was sacked and partially destroyed by the French, including the destruction of the bell tower. In 1814, at the end of the Napoleonic regime, it became the capital of the district comprising Avuglione, Bardassano, Cinzano, Marentino, Montaldo, and Vernone.
In 1856, an annual fair was established on the first Wednesday of June, later moved from 1864 to the day following the Feast of San Rocco on August 17, a date that has been retained to this day.
During the 19th century, Sciolze became a popular resort for many wealthy families from Turin.
Places of Interest
The town of Sciolze is dominated by a hill where the Castle of San Severino once stood in medieval times (a place where capital sentences were carried out). Only a few remnants of the walls remain, and it has now been transformed into a stately residence.
The ancient Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the 1400s and subsequently renovated until its consecration in 1774, features a main altar made of Gassino stone, four 18th-century wooden sculptures, and a painting depicting the Baptism of Jesus. Near the parish church is the Church of the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit, built around 1630.
From the summit of Colle di Fagnour (480 meters above sea level), not far from the town in the direction of Bardassano, there is a splendid 360-degree panoramic view. It offers a vista of the Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, the Gran Paradiso, the Rocciamelone, the Monviso, the Ligurian Alps, and the first part of the Apennines. Dominating the hill is the Chapel of Santa Lucia, formerly known as Santa Maria, which was the ancient parish church of Sciolze until the 1400s, with an adjacent cemetery, under the watch of an ancient almond tree. Inside the church, the historic stone inscribed with markings that was originally placed in the churchyard is preserved.
Just beyond Colle Fagnour is Palazzo, a rustic historic residence dating back to the second half of the 17th century. It features a splendid frescoed hall, a 17th-century cellar, and a garden that earns the palace its nickname as the “place of roses” (www.villailpalazzo.com).