Beneath the Piedmontese sun sits Baldissero Torinese. It is a municipality that whispers tales of ancient origins and resilient communities. Today we explore this comune. It is nine kilometers east of Turin.
Baldissero Torinese boasts a population of over 3,700 inhabitants. The village’s story began at Bric Paluch. This place was once called Malloch then Albacherio or Alba Cherii.
In medieval times, the Order of St. Leonard dominated. Destruction scattered the inhabitants. They moved to Superga Rivodora and the current historical center. Here a castle arose corresponding to today’s Church of S. Maria della Spina.
The feud first was subject to Chieri. From 1694, it became a free commune. The Benso and Counts Fontanella dynasties followed. Baldissero Torinese evolved.
Today, the village includes various hamlets. Each has its chapel. They are San Quirico San Giuliano San Grato Toetto and Rivodora. Numerous residential clusters called “Tetti” also exist. These are Barbasso Berruto Chiapasso Coggiola Collo Colombaro Ghirone None Pietraforata Piola Ronchi and Valentino. They originated from the initial population dispersion in the Bric Paluch area. Independent socio-economic communities formed.
The parish Church of S. Maria della Spina stands out. It is a striking example of Piedmontese Baroque style. The church has an octagonal plan. Construction began in 1717. It was built where an ancient castle once stood. Count Fontanella of Baldissero ordered its construction. Inside are two valuable works from 1660. A wooden crucifix is there. Also see an altarpiece depicting S. Domenico and S. Chiara. They are at the feet of the Virgin with the Child. The organ with 636 pipes is noteworthy. It is kept in the choir and dates to 1851.
The seventeenth-century Chapel of Toetto is also here. It is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of Grace. This chapel dates back to the 18th century. Its vault features nineteenth-century frescoes.
The ancient Community Well is shaped like an hourglass. Its external structure resembles a canopy. It is over 42 meters deep. Until 1959, it was the sole water source for Baldissero’s historical center.
Near the Rivodora cemetery is the Spring of San Genesio. It offers clear and fresh water.
Baldissero Torinese is twinned with Grude in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2002.