Complete Guide to Pinerolo: What to See, Where to Eat, Hiking, and Cycling

# Complete Guide to Pinerolo: What to See, Where to Eat, Hiking and Cycling

Published: November 2025 | Reading time: 12 minutes

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## Introduction: Welcome to Pinerolo

Pinerolo is a charming medieval town located forty kilometers from Turin, in the heart of the Cottian Alps, offering a complete experience of millennial history, military heritage, traditional Piedmontese cuisine, and extraordinary opportunities for outdoor activities. A French citadel for 120 years, capital of the first medieval Piedmontese state, and center of Italian cavalry in the 19th century, Pinerolo is now an ideal tourist destination for those who want to explore a “slow” destination on the fringes of mass tourism, combining hiking, cycling, culture, and gastronomy.

In this comprehensive guide, you will discover:

- The main attractions

- Where to eat well

- The best hiking trails

- The most beautiful cycle paths

- Nearby ski resorts

- Practical tips for your stay

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## 1. What to see in Pinerolo

The Historic Center and Monuments of Pinerolo

###The Fascinating Medieval Heritage

The heart of Pinerolo is its extraordinary medieval historic center, characterized by narrow alleys and porticoes that radiate around Piazza Duomo. The city has preserved its architectural features intact, from Gothic-style windows to wooden tables that once formed sales counters when raised. Via Principi d'Acaia, the central and most important street, crosses the oldest part of the city and is one of the most fascinating routes, where you can admire historic buildings such as the Casa del Vicario and the Casa del Senato. The medieval atmosphere is further enriched by the presence of numerous pastry shops, typical bars, and artisan workshops, which give the center a rare authenticity in the contemporary urban landscape. With over four hundred shops in the commercial district, Pinerolo boasts the third largest market in Piedmont, a place where tradition and modernity meet in harmony.

### The Cathedral of San Donato and the Basilica of San Maurizio

The Cathedral of San Donato is the most important monument in Pinerolo's religious landscape. Built on the site of an ancient 10th-century church at the behest of Olderico Manfredi II, Marquis of Turin and Susa, the cathedral's façade was completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1808. Inside, the vaults and pillars are entirely decorated, and the building houses several works of art that bear witness to centuries of religious and artistic history. A particularly striking feature is the depiction of the Shroud on the façade, placed there in memory of an exposition that took place in the square in front of it in 1478.

The Basilica of San Maurizio, mentioned in documents dating back to 1078, stands on a hill overlooking the entire city, offering a perfect spot for taking panoramic photographs. The church was rebuilt in the 18th century and remodeled over the centuries, accumulating extraordinary decorative riches, including 15th-century frescoes from the second half of the 15th century. Adjacent to it is the elegant Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, connected to the basilica by a scenic staircase covered with votive offerings. The Romanesque bell tower dates back to 1336 and features three orders of double and triple lancet windows with a high octagonal spire that makes it visible from every point in the city.

###Other Churches and Historic Buildings

In addition to the main religious monuments, Pinerolo is home to several other churches of significant artistic interest. The Baroque church of Santa Croce is rich in works of art, while that of San Domenico dates back to the fifteenth century and is an example of local Gothic architecture. The church of San Rocco, built in the mid-18th century by the Turin architect Giuseppe Gerolamo Buniva, completes the city's ecclesiastical panorama. Piazza Vittorio Veneto, designed in 1738 as the city's parade ground until 1830, houses a marble statue dedicated to the Turin general Filippo Brignone, the work of the Varese sculptor Odoardo Tabacchi.

###Museums and Cultural Heritage

The Historical Museum of the Cavalry is one of the most important museums in Europe dedicated to military equestrian history. With 5,500 square meters of exhibition space and 240 display cases, the museum houses over twenty thousand artifacts that describe the history of the Savoy and Italian cavalry from the 18th century to the present day. The choice to locate the museum in Pinerolo is no coincidence: the city was home to the Military Cavalry School from 1849 onwards, an institution renowned worldwide that remained active for around a hundred years. Inside, visitors can admire uniforms, weapons, and equipment of the cavalry, all kept in perfect condition, as well as important figures in Italian military history such as General Federigo Caprilli, who in 1902 set the world record for high jump on horseback.

Pinerolo also has the Museo della Doma Rossa (Museum of Red Dressage) in the Palazzo del Senato, which houses the remains of a Roman necropolis discovered in 2003 near Riva di Pinerolo, comprising about thirty tombs dating from the first to the fifth century AD. The Museo Civico di Arte Preistorica (Civic Museum of Prehistoric Art) in the Palazzo Vittone recounts human evolution in the Pinerolo area through rock art, documents, photographs, and videos. The Civic Ethnographic Museum of the Pinerolo Area offers a fascinating insight into the communities of the area.

**Recommended time:** 2-3 hours for a complete walk

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### Fenestrelle Fort

Just 20 km from Pinerolo, the Fort of Fenestrelle is one of Piedmont's most fascinating and unique monuments, a symbol of the province of Turin. Built to function as a barrier rather than a true fort, it consists of numerous small forts—San Carlo, Tre Denti, Sant'Elmo, and Valli—connected by redoubts and gun emplacements, all linked by the admirable work that makes it even more extraordinary: the covered staircase. This staircase is an incredible feat of military engineering, with around 4,000 steps carved into an artificial tunnel almost two kilometers long, protected by walls two meters thick. Construction took 122 years and the structure extends for three kilometers, covering 1,300,000 square meters with three forts, seven redoubts, and twenty-eight bastions. There are three different routes to explore the Fort. The Passeggiata Reale is a hiking option that retraces the wonderful royal staircase with its three thousand steps located on the roof of the covered staircase, a challenging route that takes a whole day to complete. A second route takes you on a detailed tour of Fort San Carlo with all its buildings and underground passages, covering a long and beautiful stretch of the covered staircase to visit the casemates, redoubts, and bastions of the stronghold. Finally, there is a route suitable for families with younger children, lasting about an hour, which focuses on the history and culture of the valley with a detailed tour of Fort San Carlo.

Details:

- 📍 Location: Fenestrelle (Val Chisone), 20 km north of Pinerolo

- ⏰ Opening hours: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (summer), 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (winter)

- 💰 Ticket: €8-12

- 🚗 Visit time: 2-3 hours

- 🎒 Difficulty level: Easy-Medium

How to get there:

- Car: 25 minutes from Pinerolo

- Bus: Line from Pinerolo central station

What to expect:

Eerie underground corridors, mountain views, fascinating military history. It's a unique experience you won't find anywhere else!

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### Sacra di San Michele

30 km from Pinerolo (towards Turin), the Abbey of San Michele is built on a rock at an altitude of 960 m: an extraordinary UNESCO site.

Details:

- 📍 Location: Sant'Ambrogio di Torino

- ⏰ Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (summer), 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (winter)

- 💰 Ticket: €10

- 🚗 Visit time: 2-3 hours

- 🎒 Difficulty level: Medium

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###Miradolo Castle and Art Exhibitions

Miradolo Castle, located just outside Pinerolo in the municipality of San Secondo, is a charming neo-Gothic building constructed in the 19th century on top of an earlier 18th-century structure. After years of neglect, it was purchased by the Cosso Foundation in 2006 and transformed into a venue for prestigious art and photography exhibitions. Just three kilometers from the center of Pinerolo, the castle offers a wonderful view of Monviso and is a perfect destination for a bike ride. The Cosso Foundation constantly organizes exhibitions, concerts, themed guided tours, workshops, in-depth studies, and activities for all age groups throughout the year and across all four seasons.

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###Natural Parks: Val Troncea and Gran Bosco di Salbertrand

The area around Pinerolo is characterized by the presence of three impressive natural parks: Val Troncea Park, Orsiera Rocciavrè Park, and part of Gran Bosco di Salbertrand. Val Troncea Natural Park is located in the secondary valley of Pragelato of the same name and offers numerous hiking trails of all levels of difficulty. One of the most fascinating hikes is the loop around the hill and lake of Faure, where you will find two authentic jewels set among the mountains: Lake Nero and Lake Fauri, located in the summit basin dominated by the overhanging walls of Mount Platasse and Mount Giornalet. The valley is rich in tree species and wildlife, surrounding the lakes with breathtaking landscapes.

The Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park, established in 1980 by the Piedmont Region, protects 3,775 hectares on the right side of the Susa Valley. The mixed forest of silver fir and spruce is unique in the region, having provided timber as early as the 18th century for the large beams of the most important military and civil engineering works of the House of Savoy, such as the Arsenal of Turin, the Basilica of Superga, and the Royal Palace of Venaria Reale. The protected area is crossed by a dense network of sixteen marked trails covering a length of about seventy kilometers, which run through the territory from the valley floor to the ridge. Internationally renowned itineraries such as the Via Alpina, the Glorious Return of the Waldensians, the Grande Traversata delle Alpi, and the Via Francigena allow visitors to discover the environmental, historical, and cultural peculiarities of the territory.

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### Local Markets

Pinerolo has a historic market that reflects the local culture:

- Wednesday and Saturday mornings: in Piazza Vittorio Veneto

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## 2. Where to Eat in Pinerolo

###Culinary Tradition

The cuisine of the Pinerolo area is an extraordinary synthesis of mountain farming tradition and French influences, the result of the city's unique history. The area offers many gastronomic specialties, all prepared using typical products from the Alps. Simple, tasty, and authentic traditional dishes, made with what nature offers in the valleys, characterize this unique culinary tradition. The proximity to France has encouraged influences from transalpine cuisine, giving rise to refined dishes that have always characterized Piedmontese cuisine.

###Typical Dishes

Among the typical local dishes, agnolotti del plin are one of the most loved in Piedmont. These small, delicious ravioli are filled with roast, braised, or stewed meat and closed with a characteristic pinch, hence the name “plin.” They are often served with butter and sage or in broth, especially during the winter months. Tajarin, a historic dish of the area, are thin and delicate fresh pasta tagliatelle that represent the heart of Piedmontese tradition. Risotto al Barolo is a perfect combination of Piedmontese rice and fine local wine. Brasato al Barolo is a rich and flavorful dish that represents the culinary tradition of the region. Bollito misto piemontese remains a tradition to be savored, while bagna càuda represents a winter of flavor. Fritto misto alla piemontese, bollito misto alla piemontese, and supa barbuta are available by reservation at local trattorias.

###Typical Products and Local Specialties

The area offers numerous high-quality typical products. Among the cured meats are salam d'la duja, preserved in terracotta containers covered with pork fat, and mustardela, a Slow Food presidium created to recover every part of the pig. Oven-baked hams, in wine and herbs, complete the range of cured meats. Cheeses include raw milk goat's cheese, the famous sarass del fen, a Slow Food presidium, and tome d'alpeggio. Local wines are on the rise, such as those from the Pinerolese DOC and the Malva Arnaldi school in Bibiana, where vin d'poum, red cider, is also produced. A unique specialty of the area is the Giro di Vite, a project that preserves the production and agricultural traditions of the Pinerolo area through the cultivation of small fruits, viticulture, and food workshops, always with an eye toward protecting biodiversity.

###Where to Eat

Trattoria Zappatori is a culinary gem in Pinerolo, once located in an arcade and now transformed into a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant. It has been run by the same family for two generations, maintaining an extraordinary historical richness. At this trattoria, you can experience authentic traditional cuisine with dishes such as Piedmontese agnolotti. The Bar Trattoria Veloce offers an authentic Piedmontese culinary experience in Pinerolo, with the opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast with aromatic coffee and fresh croissants at the bar. At lunch and dinner, the fixed-price menu offers a selection of first and second courses, making the trattoria an ideal option for business lunches or celebrating special occasions. Osteria La Mimosa is a sure bet with 612 online reviews, fantastic desserts, and authentic Italian cuisine.

## 3. Trekking and Excursions

Val Chisone is an incredible place for all outdoor sports activities, especially hiking. Many trails and trekking routes open up in the numerous small valleys that follow one another, immersing you in places of great natural beauty. The valley is narrow, surrounded by other famous neighboring valleys in the province of Turin: Val Sangone, Valle di Susa, and Val Pellice.

###Hiking in Val Chisone and Fenestrelle

From Regional State Road 23, which runs alongside the Chisone stream and crosses the entire valley, you can reach the main access points for hiking. At Perosa Argentina, the beautiful side valley called Val Germanasca opens up, where one of the largest talc mines is located, which made Piedmont important in the extraction of this mineral. Easy hiking trails allow you to discover the history and secrets of the ancient talc and graphite mines of the Chisone and Germanasca valleys, thanks to the valuable work of eco-museums and visitor centers. At the end of Val Germanasca is the charming village of Prali, an important ski resort that is the starting point for exciting alpine excursions. The cable car, which is also open in summer, allows you to explore the area of the thirteen lakes and Lago Verde and to cross the border into France on foot.

Just above Fenestrelle is the beautiful village of Usseaux, the access point for the road leading to Pian dell'Alpe and an excellent starting point for excursions on the border between the Chisone Valley and the Susa Valley.

### Practical Trekking Info

- Best season: June-September

- Recommended footwear: Trekking boots

- First light time: Consult the tables

- Refuges: Various alpine refuges available

- Useful app: AllTrails, Komoot

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## 4. Cycling: 750 km of Perfect Trails

Pinerolo is an extraordinary destination for cycling enthusiasts, with an extensive network of routes that cater to the most diverse needs of cyclists. The area offers a choice of flat, hilly, and mountainous terrain, with hundreds of kilometers of trails of varying levels of difficulty.

###Colle delle Finestre: One of Italy's Most Beautiful Climbs

Colle delle Finestre, located at an altitude of 2,176 meters, is one of Italy's most legendary climbs and has been chosen several times by the Giro d'Italia as a race route. This alpine road winds through green meadows, mountain pastures, and mountain huts in a succession of curves that offer unforgettable thrills. The climb is a demanding challenge for cyclists, but offers extraordinary views of the surrounding valleys.

###The Assietta Road: An Extraordinary Military Work

The Assietta Road is a military route of historical origin that winds for over thirty kilometers, almost entirely above 2,000 meters. Along the ridge that connects Pian dell'Alpe to Sestriere and separates Val Chisone from Val Susa, this road offers a unique cycling experience. The route is mainly on dirt roads with excellent surfaces, offering wide views of Val Chisone and the surrounding mountains. The climb is steady and moderate, except for a few false flats, and makes a long traverse along the slopes of Cima Ciantiplagna and Cima delle Vallette. From the 2,472 meters of Colle dell'Assietta, the road continues with a further climb to the hill near Monte Genevris (approximately 2,510 meters), followed by a fast descent with hairpin bends and long traverses. The total route covers approximately 59.7 kilometers with a total elevation gain of approximately 1,750 meters and a maximum altitude of 2,544 meters.

###The Anello delle Creste and the UpSlowTour Project

To allow cyclists and cycle tourists to explore the destination in a safe, slow, and enjoyable way, the Unione Montana del Pinerolese has created the UpSlowTour project, which includes 15 circular routes to be undertaken by bicycle, for a total of 450 kilometers. Half of these routes are on trails and dirt roads, while the other half are on low-traffic secondary paved roads. The Anello delle Creste (loop number 13) is one of the most fascinating, winding between Bricherasio (388 meters) and Colle della Vaccera (1,502 meters). This 38.3-kilometer route with a 1,239-meter elevation gain offers spectacular views, with seven points where you can stop to admire the view of the Cuneo valleys and plains. The circuit is suitable for cyclists of medium to good technical ability during the summer, although there is an easier variant of just under 22 kilometers and 615 meters of elevation gain that can be ridden at any time of year.

###Other Legendary Climbs

The Pinerolo area offers numerous other legendary climbs that have been the setting for major competitions such as the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. The climb to Montoso, with its 12 percent gradients, is one of the most challenging climbs in Piedmont and was included in the 2019 Giro d'Italia. The climb to the Rifugio Barbara Lowrie has gradients of up to 20%, offering a challenge suitable for the most experienced cyclists. The Colle di Pramartino from San Pietro Val Lemina, with its 4.7 kilometers and approximately 500 meters of elevation gain, is one of the most challenging climbs in the area and was also included in the 2016 Giro d'Italia.

### Bike Rental

Various shops in the center offer:

- 🚴 Road bikes: $15-25/day

- 🚵 Mountain bikes: $20-30/day

- 🚲 Electric bikes: $40-60/day

- 👶 Child seats: €5-10/day

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## 5. Skiing and Snowboarding: Via Lattea 45 Minutes Away

The Via Lattea is Europe's largest ski area, just 45 minutes from Pinerolo.

### Main resorts

Sestriere (2,035 m)

- Olympic (skiing)

- 200+ km of slopes

- Modern facilities

Pragelato (1,620 m)

- Less crowded than Sestriere

- Varied slopes for all levels

- Quieter atmosphere

Bardonecchia (1,300 m)

- Excellent cross-country skiing

- Slopes for beginners

- Family-friendly

### Ski Season

- Opening: December (depending on snow conditions)

- Closing: April

- Best time: January-March

- Ski pass: €50-70/day

### Other Winter Activities

- ⛸️ Ice skating

- 🛷 Sledding

- ❄️ Snowshoeing (snowshoeing)

- 🐕 Dog sledding

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## 6. Practical Information

### How to Get There

From Turin:

- 🚗 Car: 45 minutes (25 miles)

- 🚂 Train: 1 hour from Porta Nuova station

- 🚌 Bus: 1 hour 15 minutes

From Milan:

- 🚗 Car: 2 hours 30 min (200 km)

- 🚂 Train: 3 hours

From Cuneo:

- 🚗 Car: 1 hour 30 min (80 km)

### When to Visit

| Season | Weather | Activities | Price |

|----------|-------|----------|--------|

| Winter (Dec-Mar) | Cold, snow | Skiing, snowshoeing, historic center | High |

| Spring (Apr-May) | Mild | Hiking, cycling | Medium |

| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Hot, sunny | Hiking, cycling, outdoor activities | High |

| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Mild, leaves | Hiking, foliage | Medium-Low |

Tip: May and September are the best months to avoid crowds while still enjoying good weather.

### What to bring

- 🎒 20-30L backpack for hiking

- 👟 Sturdy hiking shoes

- 🧥 Waterproof jacket

- 🧢 Hat and sunglasses

- 💧 1-2L water bottle

- 📱 Portable charger

- 🗺️ Paper map or offline app

### Parking

- Historic center: Paid parking, €1-2/hour

- Outside the center: Free parking

- Tips: Arrive early in the morning

### Tourist Information

- 🌐 Website: www.turismopinerolo.it

- 📞 Info: +39 0121 795580

- 📍 Address: Piazza San Giacomo, Pinerolo

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## 7. Accommodation in Pinerolo

### Where to stay: Domus Acaja

If you love authentic historic centers and the comfort of a private home, Domus Acaja offers elegant apartments in the medieval heart of Pinerolo.

Why choose Domus Acaja:

- ✅ Perfect location in the historic center

- ✅ Fully equipped kitchen so you can eat like you're at home

- ✅ Local hosts (Leonardo and Marco) who are experts on the area

- ✅ Fast WiFi to stay connected

- ✅ Authentic Piedmontese atmosphere

- ✅ 24/7 direct contact on WhatsApp

Perfect for:

- Romantic couples

- Families with children

- Remote workers who want a stable base

- Cyclists and trekkers

👉 Book now on www.domusacaja.it

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## 8. Recommended itinerary: 3 days in Pinerolo

### Day 1: Historic center and Forte Fenestrelle

Morning (3 hours):

- Breakfast in Piazza San Donato

- Walk through the historic center

Afternoon (4 hours):

- Trip to Forte Fenestrelle (25 min by car)

- Visit to the underground corridors

- Dinner in a mountain refuge

Evening:

- Dinner in Pinerolo

- Illuminated evening walk

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### Day 2: Trekking and Nature

Morning (5 hours):

- Early breakfast

- Hike

Afternoon (2 hours):

- Relax at the lodge

- Shower and rest

Evening:

- Light dinner

- Rest for the next day

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### Day 3: Cycling or Skiing (Seasonal)

Option A - Summer (Cycling):

- Morning: Bike rental

- Excursion

- Dinner with Piedmontese specialties

Option B - Winter (Skiing):

- Via Lattea - Sestriere (45 min drive)

- Day on the slopes

- Convivial dinner

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## Conclusion

Pinerolo is a complete destination for those seeking mountains, history, and authentic Piedmontese cuisine. Whether you are a trekker, cyclist, skier, or simply looking for tranquility, Pinerolo has something for you.

The secret is to stay in the historic center, with immediate access to everything. Contact Leonardo and Marco at Domus Acaja for personalized advice on your visit!

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## Useful Contacts

📱 Domus Acaja - Reservations and Info

- Leonardo: +39 339 5323564

- Marco: +39 346 7267218

- Email: domusacaja@gmail.com

📞 Pinerolo Tourism

- Tel: +39 0121 795580

- Website: www.turismopinerolo.it

🚂 Transportation

- Trenitalia: www.trenitalia.com

- GTT Torino: www.gttorino.it

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Article written: November 2025

Next update: when attractions/opening hours change

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This guide was compiled by Domus Acaja with up-to-date information. If you find any errors or would like to suggest additions, please contact us via WhatsApp!