Attractions and Places To See around Palazzo Canavese - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Palazzo Canavese include historical sites and unique natural features. This small municipality in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont, is nestled at the foot of the "La Serra" morainic hill and near Lake Viverone. Palazzo Canavese offers a glimpse into historical and rural Italian life. Its strategic location provides access to a variety of historical, cultural, and natural attractions in the broader Canavese region.
Best attractions and places to see around Palazzo Canavese
- The most popular attractions is Gate Tower and Corner Tower of Piverone, a historical site that preserves 13th-century towers from an ancient shelter. This village is located on the Via Francigena.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Pistono and the Archaeological Park of the Stilt Houses, a lake and historical site. Visitors can explore a full-scale reconstruction of a 6500-year-old village.
- Visitors also love The Dancing Lands, a natural monument. This unique forest features peat soil resting on water, creating an elastic ground that moves when walked upon.
- Palazzo Canavese is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and lakes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to unique geological formations.
- The attractions around Palazzo Canavese are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 360 upvotes and over 250 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Lake Pistono and the Archaeological Park of the Stilt Houses
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Ivrea Historic Centre and the Dora Baltea Riverside
Highlight • Historical Site
On the other bank of the Dora, near Via Jervis, the old Olivetti factories have been converted into Musea dell'Architecture Moderna.
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The Dancing Lands
Highlight • Natural Monument
It's definitely an experience worth trying 😉
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Gate Tower and Corner Tower of Piverone
Highlight • Historical Site
*Ancient shelter of which the access tower to the village (clock tower) and the north-east corner tower of the walls, from the 13th century, have been preserved
*Church of Gesiùn, ruins of the ancient church of Livione, dating back to the 10th century
*Romanesque bell tower of San Pietro di Subloco, dating back to the 10th century
*Parish Church of Saints Peter and Lawrence
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Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site
Highlight • Natural Monument
It is located between Biella and Ivrea, included in the municipalities of Borriana, Cerrione, Mongrando and Zubiena, on the orographic right of the Elvo stream. It is part of the Serra moraine, considered the largest in Europe.
A lunar appearance, with large mounds placed together like desert dunes, made up of stones of various sizes. Between one pile and another, curtains of often impenetrable plants and bushes. This is the aspect that one perceives when entering the Bessa Nature Reserve for the first time, established in 1985. But the charm of Bessa also lies in its history.
One thing is now certain. This entire large territory, almost ten square kilometers, has been entirely modified in its appearance by the work of thousands of men.
These were the Ictimuli - or Vittimuli - who inhabited a large part of the Biella area over two thousand years ago. Led and exploited by the Romans between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. they transformed the Bessa into one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world.
Traces of this immense work remain in the mounds, erected by piling up the stones discarded during the excavation.
Source: atl.biella.it/localita-dettaglio/-/d/riserva-speciale-della-bes-1
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Tips from the Community
Must do, at least once, interesting place.
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It is a unique place of its kind. In a rather small and circumscribed area 2 steps from the Montalto lake (also called "Rabbit" lake) there is an area with a very dark soil composed of water, peat, earth and medium-sized trees. Especially when the ground is wet or it has rained previously if you jump on the surface, it moves creating small waves making the surrounding trees dance. A real show! You can reach the dancing lands from 2 different dirt tracks. For those with good technical skills the entry or exit paths in both directions are also fun to pedal.
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Regardless of whether you reach the Serra di Ivrea or not, even wandering around these lakes, taking advantage of the good signage present, pays off! There is a nice variety of environments and paths, from single track to dirt road, ending on cobblestone sections, never too banal, especially in the wet... the lake environments are beautiful, given that most of these lakes are not very urbanized, the stilt houses rebuilt on the shore of Lake Pistono are very beautiful, they certainly deserve a stop. Places also suitable for children, given that in the lake area the differences in altitude are very modest... just watch out for hikers, because the paths are open to everyone!
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Passage made during Erratico Gravel
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In this beautiful peat bog in Montaldo Dora there is a very particular natural phenomenon, which gives the place its name. The Terre Ballerine are in fact called this way because of the particular consistency of the ground, which makes those who walk on it feel like they are walking on a mattress.
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Monuments and places of interest: *Ancient shelter of which the access tower to the village (clock tower) and the north-east corner tower of the walls, from the 13th century, have been preserved *Church of Gesiùn, ruins of the ancient church of Livione, dating back to the 10th century *Romanesque bell tower of San Pietro di Subloco, dating back to the 10th century *Parish Church of Saints Peter and Lawrence
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Ivrea, the cradle of the Olivetti company and its famous typewriters, is located on the right bank of the Dora Baltea, west of the Serra di Ivrea, the largest moraine wall in Europe. The silhouette of a 14th century castle rises above the city. In the upper town there is also the originally Romanesque Duomo, which was renovated in the 19th century. On the other bank of the Dora, near Via Jervis, the old Olivetti factories have been converted into Musea dell'Architecture Moderna.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Palazzo Canavese?
Within Palazzo Canavese, you can visit the 18th-century Church of San Genesio, which houses relics of the town's patron saint. The Torrione, a surviving tower of an ancient feudal castle, now serves as the municipal headquarters. You can also see the 'Carcelle' Ruins, remnants of a large masonry structure possibly dating back to the late imperial Roman age. Nearby, don't miss the Gate Tower and Corner Tower of Piverone, preserving 13th-century structures from an ancient shelter.
Are there any unique natural phenomena to see near Palazzo Canavese?
Yes, a truly unique natural phenomenon is The Dancing Lands (Terre Ballerine). This small forest features peat soil resting on water, creating an elastic ground that moves when walked upon, offering a memorable experience. The region is also characterized by the Morainic Hill 'La Serra' and is part of the larger Ivrea Morainic Amphitheatre, formed by the retreat of the Balteo glacier.
Where can I find lakes and water activities close to Palazzo Canavese?
Approximately 5 kilometers from Palazzo Canavese, Lake Viverone is a popular destination for excursions. You can also visit Lake Pistono and the Archaeological Park of the Stilt Houses, where you can explore a full-scale reconstruction of a 6500-year-old village.
What cultural and historical attractions are available for a day trip from Palazzo Canavese?
Just 8 km away, Ivrea is an UNESCO World Heritage site known for its industrial heritage, 14th-century castle, and Romanesque Duomo. The Canavese region is also rich in castles, including Castello Vescovile, Castello di Montalto Dora, Castello di Parella, and the impressive Castello di Masino with its 24-hectare park. The Ricetto di Magnano offers a well-preserved medieval village experience.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Palazzo Canavese?
Many attractions are suitable for families. Lake Pistono and the Archaeological Park of the Stilt Houses offers an engaging historical experience. The Dancing Lands provides a fun and unique natural interaction. The Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site is also considered family-friendly, offering a glimpse into ancient gold mining history.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Palazzo Canavese is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, running, and cycling. For MTB enthusiasts, there are routes like the 'Lake Viverone – Lake Viverone loop' or the 'Romanesque Church of Il Gesiùn – Ricetto di Magnano loop'. Runners can explore trails such as the 'Alta Serra Loop Trail' or 'On the hills of Magnano'. Cyclists can enjoy tours like the 'Lake Viverone and Naviglio di Ivrea Loop' or the 'Serra di Ivrea and Bessa Nature Reserve Loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for MTB Trails, Running Trails, and Cycling around Palazzo Canavese.
Are there any archaeological sites to visit?
Yes, the region has significant archaeological interest. The 'Carcelle' Ruins in Palazzo Canavese are believed to be from the late imperial Roman age. The Archaeological Park of the Stilt Houses at Lake Pistono offers a reconstruction of a 6500-year-old prehistoric village. Additionally, the Bessa Gold Mining Archaeological Site is a vast ancient open-pit gold mine, considered one of the largest in the world.
What are some notable viewpoints in the area?
The area offers several scenic viewpoints. From the north side of Lake Pistono, you can enjoy splendid views of the lake and the Montalto castle. The Morainic Hill 'La Serra' itself provides elevated perspectives of the rural landscape, characterized by vineyards and fields. The Santuario di Sant'Antonio Abate, located on a pleasant hill by Lake Viverone, also offers picturesque views.
Can I find any botanical gardens or parks nearby?
Yes, approximately 27 km from Palazzo Canavese, you can visit the Parco Burcina in Pollone (Biella). This botanical paradise is particularly famous for its stunning display of over 40 varieties of rhododendrons during spring, making it a beautiful destination for nature lovers.
What is the 'Industrial City of the 20th Century' and where can I find it?
The 'Industrial City of the 20th Century' refers to Ivrea, an UNESCO World Heritage site located just 8 km from Palazzo Canavese. It's recognized for its unique urban and architectural ensemble created by Olivetti, a typewriter and computer company. You can explore the Open Air Museum of Modern Architecture (MAAM) showcasing 20th-century industrial architecture and the old Olivetti factories converted into museums.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Palazzo Canavese?
Visitors particularly enjoy the unique natural experiences like walking on The Dancing Lands, which is described as 'impressive and worth trying'. The historical depth of sites like Lake Pistono and the Archaeological Park of the Stilt Houses, with its full-scale village reconstruction, is also highly appreciated. The blend of history, nature, and the opportunity for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling makes the region appealing to many.
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