Canavese

The Canavese is a historical and geographical area in the Piedmont region of north-western Italy. It is centered around the town of Ivrea and extends across parts of the Metropolitan City of Turin, including the Canavese plain, the surrounding morainic hills, and the valleys that lead toward the Dora Baltea. The region features natural attractions such as Lago di Viverone and a landscape that blends agricultural land with historic towns.

Principal towns and features in the Canavese include Ivrea, Castellamonte, Cuorgné, Rivarolo Canavese, and Albiano d’Ivrea, along with smaller municipalities such as Agliè, Borgiallo, and Caluso. Castellamonte is renowned for its majolica ceramics, while Caluso is famed for Erbaluce di Caluso, a white wine widely associated with the area. Ivrea is notable for its industrial heritage tied to the Olivetti company and for cultural traditions such as the Battle of the Oranges, a historic festival that attracts visitors each year.

Historically, the Canavese has roots dating to ancient and medieval periods, with Ivrea playing a prominent role as a political and market center in the region. In the modern era, it developed industrially around Ivrea’s manufacturing activities, complementing an economy that also relies on agriculture, wine production, and artisanal crafts.

Key landmarks in the Canavese include the Castello di Agliè and the Castello di Masino, both reflecting the region’s noble heritage, and the scenic Lake Viverone, which offers outdoor activities and birdwatching. The Canavese remains a distinctive part of Piedmont’s cultural and rural landscape, balancing historical towns, gastronomy, and natural beauty.