What secrets does Druento hold? This comune sits in Piedmont. It lies just northwest of Turin. Druento is part of the Turin Metropolitan area.
Druento’s story is one of industry and nature. It is nestled between the Givoletto mountains and the Turin plain. La Mandria Regional Park is a key attraction. It once housed a Savoy Royal residence.
Once, Druento was a very fertile area. Its name even reflects this. “Druent” meant “very fertile” in the past. The name remained until the 1930s.
Industry shaped Druento in the 20th century. Many immigrants came from southern Italy. They sought work at FIAT and related companies. Druento became an industrial town.
The Aynardi family played a role in Druento’s history. They chose a sage plant as the settlement’s symbol. Sage symbolized safety and health. It meant the town offered refuge from the Ceronda waters. Two sickles were later added to the symbol.
Druento offers several points of interest. The parish church of San Michele is grand. It sits atop a hill overlooking the town. The church of Santa Maria della Stella holds a Madonna statue. The statue dates back to 1705. It is by Carlo Giuseppe Plura. San Sebastiano church stands in the historic center. Castello dei Laghi resides in La Mandria park.
Agriculture thrives here too. The fertile soil is ideal. Farmers grow corn and wheat. They also raise sheep and cattle.
Like other towns near Turin, Druento grew fast. People moved here for jobs. Factories producing car parts emerged. Trico Italy and Mantovani & Serazzi were among them.
Druento has a main road with shops. It hosts the “Village Festival” at times. Shops stay open late. Vendors sell local products like honey and chocolate. A weekly market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Many residents work outside Druento. They commute to Turin and nearby cities. Sports facilities include “L’Isola che c’è” and a sports center. Druento is home to the Centro Internazionale del Cavallo.
Druento welcomes tourists. It provides a tourist guide and map. A camper area near La Mandria park offers amenities. Visitors can rent bikes to explore the park.
Druento connects to Turin via the SP8 road. Buses also link Druento to Turin’s city center. A tram line once ran from Turin to Druento. The former terminus is now a parking lot.
Druento’s library holds local history resources. The town celebrates several festivals. These include the Festa patronale and Miss Druento.
Druento faces environmental issues. A composting plant caused odor problems. This led to protests and a temporary shutdown.
Druento is a blend of industry, history and nature. It is a place with a rich past. It is a town evolving into the future.