San Mauro Torinese

Gazing across the picturesque landscape, the first settlers here saw a “beautiful beach,” or “Pulchra Rada” as they called it, along the Po River. This is where our story of San Mauro Torinese begins. San Mauro Torinese, nestled near Turin, boasts a history as rich as the soil that lines the riverbanks. From its humble beginnings as a Roman settlement, it blossomed into a prominent Benedictine monastery in 991 AD, thanks to Anselm, ruler of Montferrat. He ordered the abbey’s reconstruction after a devastating Saracen invasion. San Mauro Torinese truly flourished in the 12th century. The abbey became a beacon of prosperity. However, the ongoing conflicts between the Marquisate of Montferrat and the Duchy of Savoy eventually led to the abbey’s decline. By 1474, the once-thriving monastery was suppressed and transformed into a commendam. The Benedictines held ownership until 1603, when it was transferred to secular clergy, marking a significant turning point for San Mauro Torinese. The abbey faced further suppression in 1803 by Pope Pius VI, adding another layer to its complex history. Fast forward to 1912, a symbol of progress and connection emerged. The Victor Emmanuel III Bridge, affectionately known as “Ponte Vecchio” by locals, was inaugurated, linking San Mauro Torinese to Bertolla. Today, remnants of its vibrant past still stand. The Pulcherada Abbey, the Parish church of Santa Maria, and the breathtaking Natural Park of Superga Hill offer glimpses into San Mauro Torinese’s captivating story. From “beautiful beach” to a town bearing the marks of history, San Mauro Torinese continues to enchant with its blend of natural beauty and historical significance.