# Ronco Canavese

Ronco Canavese is nestled in the alpine region of Valle Soana. Ronco Canavese is a small mountain municipality in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, about 50 km north of Turin. It lies at the center of the Soana Valley (Valle Soana), perched on one side of the Soana river and surrounded by dense forests and towering peaks.
The village sits at about 956 m elevation, while its territory ranges from deep valley floors (around 774 m) up to high alpine summits of over 3,400 m. This dramatic terrain is part of the Graian Alps near the Gran Paradiso massif, featuring waterfalls, glacial cirques, and pristine mountain lakes. The climate is alpine, with cold, snowy winters and mild summers – the area receives abundant precipitation, including over 3 meters of snowfall annually on average.
These natural conditions have fostered rich forests and alpine meadows, making Ronco Canavese a green haven with unspoiled ecosystems.
Ronco Canavese borders the following municipalities: Cogne, Valprato Soana, Traversella, Locana, Ingria, Ribordone, Pont Canavese, Convento, Bosco, and Sparone.

## History

Ronco Canavese has medieval origins, with the first parish church established in the 13th century. In 1280 the village's parish split from the older parish of Campiglia, indicating an established community by that time. For centuries the local economy was based on subsistence agriculture, pastoralism, and small-scale crafts. An important historical industry was metalworking – the village's copper forge at Castellaro, dating to 1675, used water power from mountain streams to produce copper and iron tools. This forge operated until 1950 and even produced materials like cookware and possibly armaments during the Napoleonic era.Like many alpine communities, Ronco Canavese experienced waves of emigration in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many residents left seasonally or permanently to find work, notably as woodworkers and glassmakers abroad. The Santuario Madonna del Crest in the hamlet of Castellaro stands as a poignant memorial to this legacy – its statues depict a glassblower and coppersmith under the Virgin's gaze, and inside an altar of 68 votive lights commemorates the valley men who died working in France and Switzerland
During the 1900s, especially after World War II, depopulation accelerated as young people moved to cities for better opportunities. The valley also endured natural disasters; for example, the catastrophic floods of 1993–1994 and 2000 caused severe damage in Val Soana, washing out roads and bridges and forever marking local memory.
Despite these challenges, Ronco Canavese's community has shown resilience, preserving its heritage and adapting to modern initiatives.

## Demographics

Ronco Canavese today is very sparsely populated, with only a few hundred residents. As of recent counts, the population is around 300–350 people, a dramatic decline from its peak a century ago. In the early 20th century the valley was well-populated (over 3,000 inhabitants in 1911), but over the last hundred years the resident population dropped by about 90%. This steep decline is attributed to migration and falling birth rates, leaving an aging community. Many villages and hamlets in the surrounding mountains are now only seasonally inhabited.
The population is older on average, as younger generations have largely moved to urban centers. In recent years a small uptick or stabilization has been noted due to retirees returning and some families choosing a rural lifestyle, but the community remains one of mostly seniors. A notable aspect is the presence of some French-speaking families and second-home owners – Ronco has long-standing ties with French and Franco-Provençal culture, and about 13% of its registered residents are foreign nationals (chiefly French). This reflects both historical links and the influx of French holiday homeowners who reside in Ronco during summers. Overall, the town is a close-knit community where almost everyone knows each other, and efforts are underway to support the elderly population (for example, through a community nursing program for remote mountain villages)

## Economy

Traditional industries in Ronco Canavese were based on the valley's natural resources. For centuries, families engaged in small-scale farming and livestock raising (mainly cattle and goats), producing dairy products like alpine cheeses and cultivating hardy crops like rye and potatoes. The village's past also includes mining and metal crafts – as evidenced by the historic copper forge – and woodworking. The fast-flowing Soana stream was harnessed to power mills, sawmills, and forges; in fact, by the 19th century Ronco and nearby towns hosted mills and early factories that took advantage of water power. However, as the local economy modernized, many of these activities declined. Artisanal trades like wood carving, wool spinning, and cheese-making survived in reduced form, often for local use or tourism.Today, the economy is modest and service-oriented, with an emphasis on tourism, small commerce, and environmental resources. Ronco Canavese serves as the main service center of Val Soana, despite its size. It hosts a few family-run shops, cafes, a post office, and guesthouses that cater to visitors in the summer. Tourism is a vital sector, especially in July and August when many former residents or their descendants return for holidays and French vacationers occupy their second homes. These summer visitors boost local businesses like restaurants (where one can taste polenta and game), artisan markets, and guided excursions. A few agriturismi (farm-stay B&Bs) operate in the area, offering lodging and local cuisine. There is limited agriculture still practiced – some residents keep cattle or bees, producing niche products like mountain honey and traditional cheese for local sale. Public sector employment (municipal administration, park rangers, etc.) also provides some jobs given Ronco's role as a municipal and park hub. In recent years, a forward-looking initiative has been the establishment of a renewable energy cooperative: in late 2024 the valley launched “Fervores” (Future Renewable Energy for Orco and Soana Valleys), the first community-led renewable energy project in the Canavese area. This energy community aims to jointly produce and share sustainable power (e.g. small hydro or solar), keeping energy revenues in the local economy. Such projects, along with improving digital connectivity, are seen as keys to fostering sustainable development and perhaps attracting new residents or entrepreneurs to Ronco Canavese.

## Culture & Traditions

Despite its small size, Ronco Canavese is rich in cultural heritage and alpine traditions. The community is part of the Franco-Provençal (Arpitan) linguistic area, and an alpine dialect known as “valsoanin” is still spoken by older residents. French influences are evident in local surnames and in the ease with which locals switch between Italian and French/Piedmontese dialect when chatting. Traditional customs remain alive, often tied to the seasons and religious calendar. The patron saint of Ronco is San Giusto Martire, celebrated with a big festa on the last Sunday of July each year. During the Festa di San Giusto, the village comes alive with outdoor Mass, processions, communal meals, music and dancing, and reunions of families – many expatriates plan their visits to coincide with this event. Earlier in July, the hamlet of Boschettiera hosts the “Festa del Pane” (Bread Festival) at its centuries-old community oven. Every first Sunday of July, villagers fire up the historic stone bread oven – originally built for communal baking – and reenact the old tradition of mixing, leavening, and baking bread together c This festival, started in 1998, has become a beloved way to honor the valley's rural heritage, with locals and visitors gathering to make bread, share folk recipes, and celebrate around the oven's warmth.
Other folklore and festivities enliven the summer: mountain folklore about the “masche” (mysterious witches or spirits of Piedmontese legend) is celebrated in night hikes and story-telling events under the stars. For instance, an annual guided excursion to Pian delle Masche invites participants to dine on polenta, local meats, and cheeses at a high pasture, then dance “with the masche” in a playful homage to local legends.
Throughout Val Soana, many small chapels and shrines dot the hamlets – some of these have their own feast days or processions, reflecting the deep-rooted Catholic traditions of the community. In winter, when heavy snow isolates the valley, cultural life turns inward: families maintain the custom of gathering to tell stories in the dialect, play cards, and prepare traditional foods like bagna cauda (warm garlic–anchovy dip) or hearty stews. Cuisine in Ronco Canavese is classic Piedmontese mountain fare: staples include polenta (often served with wild game or local cheese), rye bread, cured meats, and hearty soups with beans or cabbage. Notably, chestnuts were historically important (ground into flour or roasted) and are still used in local dishes and desserts. The connection to the land is also evident in craftsmanship – a few artisans keep alive old trades, like making wooden sabots (clogs) or weaving fabrics from wool. These traditions, whether in language, food, or festivity, are actively preserved by the community, giving Ronco Canavese a strong cultural identity that belies its small population.

## Tourism and Attractions

Ronco Canavese's stunning natural setting and quaint alpine character make it an appealing destination for nature lovers and cultural tourists. Key attractions and activities include:

## Historic Churches and Shrines

The Parish Church of San Giusto Martire in the main village is a centerpiece of Ronco. Founded in medieval times (independent since 1280) and later rebuilt in the 1800s, it features traditional stone architecture with a stone-column portico and lòsè roof (stone slab roofing typical of alpine buildings). In the locality of Castellaro, the Santuario Madonna del Crest is especially notable. This sanctuary, dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows and to emigrants, has a dramatic outdoor sculpture tableau: the Virgin Mary with outstretched arms watches over a glassblower and a coppersmith at work, while a mourning woman in Val Soana folk dress kneels beside them. Carved around are the tools of bygone local trades (farming, craftsmanship, mining), and inside the sanctuary an altar with 68 small lights honors each emigrant glassworker from the valley who lost his life abroad. The Santuario is a moving tribute to the valley's people and offers a panoramic view of the village below. Scattered in the surrounding hamlets are several charming chapels (such as the 17th-century Chiesa di San Rocco in a forest clearing, or the tiny chapel of San Grato in Nivolastro), each with its own history and often open to visitors during the summer festivals.

## Gran Paradiso National Park

Ronco Canavese lies on the Piedmont side of the Gran Paradiso National Park (Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso), Italy's oldest national park. A large portion of the commune's territory falls within this protected area making it a prime spot for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy hiking and trekking on a network of trails that lead to alpine lakes, mountain passes, and wildlife observation points. Popular hikes include routes to the Lasinetto Valley (with the pretty green Lago Lasin), the Forzo Valley (a wild side valley rich in waterfalls), and higher ascents like the trail towards Cima Rosta (a panoramic peak ~2,700 m overlooking the valley).
Wildlife watching is a major draw: the park is home to Alpine ibex, chamois, marmots, and golden eagles, and it's not uncommon to spot these animals in the upper Val Soana. In Ronco's main village, the National Park authority operates a Visitors’ Center titled “Traditions and Biodiversity in a Fantastic Valley”, This modern exhibit (housed in a wooden chalet on Via Alpetta) showcases the intact ecosystems and rich biodiversity of Val Soana and also highlights local culture – including displays of traditional tools and crafts. It even provides space for local artisans and producers to demonstrate their techniques and sell products to visitors. The center is family-friendly and provides maps, guidance, and historical insight, serving as an excellent starting point for exploring the park.

## Natural Landmarks

Natural Landmarks – Nature enthusiasts will find several interesting sites around Ronco. Near the village entrance in Castellaro, the Soana stream has carved the “Marmitte dei Giganti” (Giants’ Kettles) – smooth cylindrical potholes in the rock formed by glacial meltwaters. These rock pools and chutes create little waterfalls (especially in spring) and can be admired via a short walking path. Close by is the historic Copper Forge (Fucina del Rame), which is not only a cultural monument but also part of the landscape – visitors can see the restored stone building and learn how water from the Soana was diverted via channels to power the massive water hammer and bellows of the forge. Guided tours or informational panels describe the forge's operation and its importance to the community. For panoramic views, visitors can hike or drive to the upper hamlets like Convento, Bosco or Forzo, where traditional stone houses and larch forests create a storybook alpine scene. Above the hamlet of Pezzetto, a short trail leads to the “Ponte degli Innamorati” (Lovers’ Bridge), a quaint wooden footbridge with a heart-shaped art installation – a popular photo spot for couples and a symbol of local community love.
Throughout the area, bivouac huts and mountain refuges (such as Bivacco Revelli or Rifugio Ciavanassa) offer trekkers shelter and a taste of high-mountain adventure. In winter, snowshoeing and ski-mountaineering routes open up, while in summer the more adventurous can try rock climbing on granite cliffs or kayaking in certain river stretches of Val Soana. Though Ronco is off the main tourist circuit, those who venture here are rewarded with authentic Alpine experiences – pristine nature, heritage sites, and the warm hospitality of a community proud of its roots.

## Infrastructure & Transportation

Reaching and moving around Ronco Canavese involves mountain roads but is manageable with planning. The village is connected to the rest of Piedmont by the Provincial Road that winds up the Soana Valley from Pont Canavese (the gateway town where the Soana stream meets the larger Orco valley). From Turin or Ivrea, drivers typically reach Pont Canavese and then follow about 20 km of scenic, winding road climbing north to Ronco. The road is paved and maintained year-round, but in winter it can be snowy or icy, sometimes requiring tire chains. Public transportation is limited but exists: one can take a train or bus from Turin to Pont Canavese (Pont is served by the Canavesana railway and regional buses). From Pont Canavese, a regional bus service runs up the Soana Valley to Ronco Canavese. This bus operates year-round with a few trips per day (more in summer), ensuring the village is not completely isolated for those without cars. In the peak summer months, the bus route may extend beyond Ronco to the higher hamlets such as Valprato and Piamprato for hikers, while in winter the terminus is usually Ronco. There is no railway directly to Ronco, and the nearest highway exit is many kilometers away, emphasizing its remote setting.
Reaching and moving around Ronco Canavese involves mountain roads but is manageable with planning. The village is connected to the rest of Piedmont by the Provincial Road that winds up the Soana Valley from Pont Canavese (the gateway town where the Soana stream meets the larger Orco valley). From Turin or Ivrea, drivers typically reach Pont Canavese and then follow about 20 km of scenic, winding road climbing north to Ronco. The road is paved and maintained year-round, but in winter it can be snowy or icy, sometimes requiring tire chains. Public transportation is limited but exists: one can take a train or bus from Turin to Pont Canavese (Pont is served by the Canavesana railway and regional buses). From Pont Canavese, a regional bus service runs up the Soana Valley to Ronco Canavese. This bus operates year-round with a few trips per day (more in summer), ensuring the village is not completely isolated for those without cars. In the peak summer months, the bus route may extend beyond Ronco to the higher hamlets such as Valprato and Piamprato for hikers, while in winter the terminus is usually Ronco. There is no railway directly to Ronco, and the nearest highway exit is many kilometers away, emphasizing its remote setting.
In terms of services, Ronco has the essential municipal facilities concentrated around its small center. The Town Hall (Municipio) is on the main street and houses administrative offices for civil services. There is a postal office, a pharmacy, and a primary health outpost (for basic medical consultations), but hospital services are located in larger towns (the closest hospital is in Ivrea, about 40 km away). Recognizing the challenges of an elderly, dispersed population, a pilot project “P.A.S.S.I. Montani” now provides community nursing: professional nurses periodically visit Ronco and its frazioni to offer in-home healthcare and check-ups for the elderly. This service helps residents who cannot easily travel to distant clinics. The village also has a primary school, although with very few children, classes have at times been combined or held in neighboring towns if student numbers are too low. For higher education (middle/high school), students commute to larger towns (with weekly boarding or daily bus rides).

## Notable People
### Giovanni Modesto Destefanis (1785–1852)– Politician and Physician

Giovanni Modesto Destefanis was born in Ronco Canavese in 1785 and became an influential 19th-century Italian politician and physician. He was a pupil of the famous doctor Michele Buniva and went to England to study the new smallpox vaccination techniques, becoming one of the first vaccinators in Italy – particularly serving the remote Orco and Soana valleys in Piedmont. Destefanis took part in the liberal Risorgimento uprisings of 1821, which led to his exile in Switzerland, France, and Spain during the backlash against the revolts. After returning to Piedmont, he joined the revolutions of 1848 and was elected as a deputy to the Parliament of the Kingdom of Sardinia (the Italian pre-unification state) in its 3rd and 4th legislatures. His early advocacy of vaccination and his role in the struggle for Italian liberal reforms mark him as an important historical figure from Ronco Canavese, remembered for both his medical and political contributions.

### Piero Martin (born 1899) – Footballer for Torino F.C.

Piero Martin was born in Ronco Canavese in 1899 and became a professional footballer, playing as a right-back in the 1920s. He is best known for his years with Torino F.C., where he was part of the squad during a successful era for the club. Martin was nicknamed “Martin I” because he was the eldest of four brothers (Cesare, Dario, and Edmondo were nicknamed II, III, IV) who all played for Torino. After retiring from football, he worked as an engineer in Pinerolo, but in Ronco Canavese he is remembered as a local sports pioneer who reached the top tier of Italian football. His connection to Ronco is as a native son who went on to contribute to a championship-winning Torino team, bringing pride to his mountain hometown.

### Osvaldo Picchiottino (born 1932) – Alpine Skier and Coach

Osvaldo Picchiottino, born in Ronco Canavese in December 1932, is a former alpine ski racer who gained prominence in the 1950s. He was a versatile skier (competing in downhill, giant slalom, slalom, and combined events) and achieved his greatest success by winning the Italian national title in slalom in 1961. Picchiottino represented Italy in major international ski events of his era – for example, he placed 7th in giant slalom at a 1958 Grand Prix race in Val d’Isère – although he did not participate in the Olympics or World Championships. In the 1960s, after retiring from competition, he became a coach for the Italian women's national alpine ski team, sharing his expertise with the next generation. Picchiottino's career highlights and his role as a national coach make him a notable sports figure from Ronco Canavese, illustrating the village's contribution to Italy's winter sports heritage.

### Maria Ida Viglino – Educator and Cultural Leader

Maria Ida Viglino was an educator and political figure originally from Forzo, a hamlet of Ronco Canavese. Active during the mid-20th century, Viglino first distinguished herself by taking part in the World War II Resistance against Fascism. After the war she became a highly respected teacher and school headmistress, and she emerged as a champion of local culture and minority language rights. Viglino was among the earliest advocates for greater regional autonomy in the neighboring Aosta Valley – a region with French-Provençal linguistic heritage – and she served as a regional government assessor in Valle d’Aosta, focusing on education and cultural identity. Known for being a “strenuous defender of autonomism” (regional self-government) and the protection of linguistic minorities, Maria Ida Viglino's legacy has been honored in Ronco Canavese by dedicating the local library in her name. Her life's work bridges Ronco Canavese and the broader region, highlighting the area's contribution to cultural preservation and education in Italy.

## Local Government

Local Government & Services Ronco Canavese is an independent comune (municipality), though it collaborates closely with neighboring villages due to its small size. It is part of the Metropolitan City of Turin and since 2010 has been grouped in the Unione Montana Valli Orco e Soana (a mountain municipalities union) which coordinates resources and services across the Orco and Soana valleys.
The municipal government is led by a mayor (Sindaco) and a small council. As of the latest elections in 2021, the Mayor of Ronco Canavese is Lorenzo Giacomino, who succeeded long-time mayor Danilo Crosasso. The local administration handles typical duties like maintaining roads, managing waste collection, and promoting tourism, albeit with a tiny staff. Given limited tax revenue from the small population, the town benefits from regional and EU rural development funds for many projects (infrastructure upgrades, cultural preservation, etc.).
Ronco was formerly part of the now-defunct Comunità Montana Alto Canavese and continues those cooperative efforts through the new Unione Montana, which has offices in Pont Canavese and supports economic and social initiatives in the valley.Residents of Ronco have access to basic public services that belie the village's size. The commune operates a civic library (recently rejuvenated as the Maria Ida Viglino Library), which was reopened as a community project to serve as a cultural hub with books, internet access, and a venue for workshops. There is also a small multipurpose hall and theater (Don Lorenzo Babando Hall) used for community meetings, film screenings, and the occasional theatrical performance, often involving local amateur groups or schoolchildren.
Emergency services (fire brigade, mountain rescue) are coordinated with nearby towns; a volunteer fire station exists in the valley and the Alpine rescue service covers hiking emergencies via a base in Cogne or Locana. Policing is handled by the Carabinieri station in Pont Canavese, though Ronco itself is very peaceful with low crime.One remarkable modern initiative is Ronco Canavese's participation in the Green Community “Sinergie in Canavese”, a program for ecological transition in the Canavese mountain areas. Started in 2022 and backed by national recovery funds, this project unites several upland communes (including Ronco) to develop sustainable management of resources, renewable energy, eco-tourism, and forest conservation. Under this umbrella, the Fervores energy community was established, which is the first Renewable Energy Community in the Canavese valleys where local institutions and citizens co-own renewable energy production and share the benefits.
The foundation for Fervores was formed in December 2024 and is headquartered at the Unione Montana offices, signifying a strong commitment by Ronco's administration to innovation and self-sufficiency in energy. Additionally, the municipality has invested in improving connectivity (as noted, fiber broadband) and supporting small entrepreneurship (there's even a “GIOVANI” business competition project to encourage youth initiatives).Community welfare is also a focus: social services like elderly care, disability assistance, and youth recreation are coordinated at the inter-municipal level, ensuring Ronco's residents receive support despite the distance from urban centers. In summary, local governance in Ronco Canavese is proactive and community-oriented, striving to keep this mountain village viable and vibrant. The town's leadership and residents work together on everything from organizing festivals to securing grants for development, balancing the preservation of tradition with the need for modern services to improve quality of life. Through such efforts, Ronco Canavese continues to adapt to contemporary challenges while cherishing its identity as a close-knit Alpine community in the heart of a beautiful natural park.