Mazzè
is located in Turin province, at the far east of the Canavese area, an historical region of Piemonte along the river Dora Baltea, south of the naturalmorainic amphitheatre, and owing to its geographical position it was the best route from the North-West to Milan and Lombardia. The local patrons, Milanese
martyrs Gervasio and Protasio, who vere buried with St. Ambrogio in the Milan church of the same name, are proof of the tight friendship that linked the
Counts of Valperga (rulers of Mazzè for eight centuries) with this town.
Mazzè has preserved much of its past from the iron age to today; you
just need to look around to imagine the history of a village keeping the
ford on the river
under control and achieving prosperity and influence thanks to its
position. The countryside offers priceless views, a walk in the gorge
descending to the river or up to
the Bicocca tumulus will be an unforgettable experience. In the inns you
can taste the local wines, Erbaluce and the famous Passito, eat fritto
misto, try finanziera,
cabbage soup and carp soused in vinegar, or rich beans stewed in an old
earthenware pot, and choose sweet fried apples for dessert, or try
canestrelli, a rare speciality
of Mazzè and Tonengo. Fishermen can enjoy the trout and other
fresh-water fish that the Dora offers, whilst horse-riders and cyclists
can ride along routes
of great nature and cultural interest.
Count Eugenio Brunetta d'Usseaux is co-founders of the modem Olimpic
games, he lived in Mazzè and he has been the only Italian, secretary of
the International
Olympic Committee till now. To this fascinating citizen CONI has dedicated
a publication evidencing his role in the modem Olympic games.
Unfortunately, there
are no local hotels for short stay visits, but a couple of bed and
breakfast are scheduled, the first in the picturesque countryside of
Casale and the second in the old
part of Mazzè, by the castle. Mazzè is 35 km from Turin, 100 km from
Milan, 20 km from Ivrea and can easily be reached by the Milano-Torino
or
Torino-Aosta motorways. The nearest railway station is Caluso, 3 km away,
on the Torino-Aosta line, and from here you can reach the historic
centre on a
cycle track next to the main road, or walk along the ancient Via
Francigena - the 3 humps road, a bit more tiring,
but going through
vineyards and chestnut woods.
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