Page 224 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

222 І NOR THWEST IT AL Y

8 Alta Val Susa
Turin. V Oulx. @ to Sauze d’Oulx.
n Via Louset, Sestriere (0122 75 54
44). ∑ turismotorino.org
The closest ring of mountain
resorts to Turin, and as a
consequence popular for
weekend excursions, is also
known colloquially as the Via
Lattea or “milky way”. Villages
such as Bardonecchia and
Sauze d’Oulx preserve traditional
old stone and wood buildings
that have been a feature of the
region for centuries. The small
church in Bardonecchia has, in The impressive part-Roman gateway, Porta
addition, a fine 15th­century Savoia, in Susa
carved choir. In contrast, the
super­modern complex at chieftain and the Emperor
Sestriere was purpose­built to Augustus. Other relics from the
accommodate skiers in winter Roman period include two
and hikers in summer. arches of an aqueduct, sections
From Bardonecchia, a chairlift of an amphitheatre and traces
The small resort of Ceresole Reale under operates some of the way up of the old town walls. Porta
winter snow Punta Colomion, which rises Savoia, an imposing Roman
immediately to the south of the gateway dating from the
7 Ceresole Reale resort. The summit, at 2,054 m 4th century, was remodelled
(6,738 ft), offers fine views,
in the Middle Ages.
Turin. @ to Ceresole Reale. and numerous hiking and Most of the historic centre of
n Palazzo Comunale, Ceresole walking possibilities. the town is medieval, including
Reale (0124 95 32 00). the castle of Countess Adelaide
∑ turismotorino.org and the Duomo, both originally
9 Susa 11th century. The Duomo, much
On the southern, Piedmont Turin. * 6,500. V @ n Corso altered since then, houses a
side of the extensive Parco Inghilterra 39 (0122 62 24 47). ( Tue. polyptych (c.1500) attributed to
Nazionale del Gran Paradiso ∑ turismotorino.org Bergognone, and a copy of a
(see pp220–21) lies the small precious 14th­century Flemish
resort of Ceresole Reale. The This attractive mountain town triptych portraying the Virgin
route from Cuorgnè traverses flourished in Roman times: the and Saints. South of the town
rolling countryside and follows Arch of Augustus, built in 8 BC, lies the Gothic church of San
the S460 along a narrow gorge commemorates the alliance Francesco, surrounded by an
with a cascading stream. between the local Gaulish area of early medieval houses.
At Noasca, a spectacular
waterfall may be seen high
above the houses.
Ceresole Reale lies in a basin
surrounded by meadows and
forests of larch, and framed
by mountains – the Gran
Paradiso range to the north,
Levanna to the southwest.
The mountains are reflected
in the clear waters of a spec­
tacular artificial lake, which is
actually a dammed reservoir,
providing energy to supply
Turin with electricity. This
nevertheless unspoiled corner
of the country is an excellent
base for walking, climbing
and hiking, and also offers
facilities for skiing during the
winter months. A street in the traditional village of Bardonecchia, in Alta Val Susa
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp565–9 and pp584–90

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.3)
Date 13th June 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm