Prascorsano

Access

Prascorsano is easily reached by car from the city of Turin: the route is about 40 kilometres along the local road network, or the Turin-Aosta motorway with an exit at Rivarolo Canavese, from where one continues towards the municipality. Rail connections allow access as far as Rivarolo Canavese station, a few kilometres away, with subsequent travel by local buses operated by the GTT network. The presence of car parks and an easy internal road system simplifies access in all seasons; the proximity to major centres such as Cuorgnè, Valperga and Castellamonte offers further connection opportunities. The reference airport for national and international flights is Turin Caselle, located about 30 km away.

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Introduction

Prascorsano is a small hillside municipality located in the heart of Canavese, in the Metropolitan City of Turin. Set on the south-western slope of Monte Soglio, at an average altitude of about 590 metres, it is surrounded by a green and harmonious landscape of chestnut groves, vineyards and woods, typical of the western Piedmont foothills. Its relatively secluded location offers peaceful views and healthy air, while its proximity to Sacro Monte di Belmonte - recognised as a UNESCO site and nature reserve - further enhances its environmental and spiritual context.

Description

The history of the village has its roots in the early Middle Ages: the first written evidence dates back to 1197 with the name 'Prescorzan', probably of Germanic origin. Its evolution is linked to the castrum of Belmonte, which served as a military and religious reference point for the entire valley. In the 16th-18th centuries, Prascorsano stood out for its agricultural industriousness: the presence of grafted chestnut groves, the cultivation of vines and the only wheel mill owned by the Enrietto family attest to the predominantly rural economy. The fruttuariense priory favoured the diffusion of local religious faith and the care of sacred structures, such as the cemetery church of the Madonna del Carmine, which preserves valuable 15th-16th century frescoes attributed to the Master of the Apostles of Prascorsano, and the parish church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo, the religious fulcrum of the village.ù
Still today, ancient traditions persist, such as the legend of St Stephen's key, believed to be propitiatory against the bites of rabid dogs, while the community actively participates in the main religious festivals and rural fairs. The social fabric remains cohesive thanks to a strong local identity and membership of the Unione Montana Val Gallenca, which facilitates inter-municipal cooperation actions.
The current economy continues to be based on small-scale hillside agriculture (chestnuts, vines, fruit), traditional handicraft production and a growing focus on tourism. The hiking routes through the nature reserve of Sacro Monte di Belmonte - only 3 km from the town centre - are an attraction for walkers and pilgrims, interested in both spiritual and scenic aspects: marked trails lead to panoramic viewpoints, woods, votive chapels and historical monuments. There is no shortage of cycling routes along the valley floor roads and trekking itineraries towards Mount Soglio, which dominates the area and represents the highest point in the area at 1,220 metres.

Information

Area: 6.24 square kilometres
Altitude: 590m
Maximum elevation: Enclave on Monte Soglio slope (1220m)
Number of inhabitants: 798
Name in dialect: Spracusan
Name in dialect: prascorsanesi
Patron Saint:St. Andrew (30 November)
Neighbouring municipalities: Canischio, Cuorgnè, Pertusio, Pratiglione, Rivara, San Colombano Belmonte, Valperga
Website: www.comune.prascorsano.to.it