Castello di Avigliana & Viewpoints Walk

By Vicky · Published Nov. 22nd, 2024

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This walk leads from the lake of Avigliana via hilltop viewpoints to Castello di Avigliana, through the historic old town, and back again.

Castello di Avigliana Hiking Map

Location

This walk to Castello di Avigliana (Castle of Avigliana) and back starts at some roadside parking near Lake Avigliana. Alternatively, you can take a train to Avigliana train station, then walk for 15 minutes to Avigliana Old Town, and start this circular walk there.

Castello di Avigliana & Viewpoints Walking Route

From the parking by the road, head down the smaller lane towards the lake. First, make a short detour to the lake, where there’s a little picnic area. You can take a swim here or just admire the views across the water. When you’re done, return a short distance up the lane and take a left.

This track begins the ascent up the wooded, hilly ridge. In a short distance turn right on the smaller path that heads steeper up the hill. In a short while, you’ll be almost at the top of Roca Sgaroira, also known as Punto Panoramico su Palude dei Mareschi. To get to the viewpoint, there’s a very short out-and-back to the right to some rocks sticking out of the trees.

Admire the view, then continue along the path, following the top of the gentle ridge. You should see signs towards Castello di Avigliana – this is the path you want. The next viewpoint is Monte Capretto. First, the path bends to the left and around the high point. There’s then another out-and-back to the very top. This time it’s slightly longer and steeper but the viewpoint at the top of Monte Capretto is definitely worth it. You can see both the lakes plus the famous monastery of Sacra di San Michele.

Heading onwards, there’s one more viewpoint before you reach the castle. This time the path leads right over the top. This high point and view is called Rocce Rosse (red rocks). While the rocks are not really that red, they’re quite impressive. You also get nice views of Castello di Avigliana from here.

Castello di Avigliana

There’s now one last downhill and then a small amount of climb before reaching the castle itself. Keep on following the signs. Soon you’ll get to a choice of routes. One way leads straight onwards and has some warnings that the route is difficult.

This ‘difficult’ route has one short section that may be challenging for some. There’s a roughly 3-metre high cliff that you have to climb up. To help you up, there are large and sturdy metal staples that are easy to hold onto and stand on. It’s not that hard, but if you get there and decide you don’t want to try it, take the other signed route. This leads around the hill and gradually upwards before meeting the other path again nearer the top.

Once you’ve climbed the cliff or taken the other route, the castle of Avigliana is just in front of you. Head straight up to reach the grassy courtyard and the stone ruins. There’s not so much left of the castle itself, but there are wonderful views in all directions.

Avigliana Castle is one of the oldest in the Piedmont, potentially dating to the 10th century. There’s a legend that a chest of gold is buried nearby, and that one of the Savoy Lords still haunts the area, so keep your eyes out!

Avigliana Historic Centre

After looking around the castle, take the gentle route down and follow the signs towards the historic centre of Avigliana. Turn left when you reach the car park at the edge of town, then take the second right to walk down the main straight. You’ll soon reach the square in the centre of Avigliana, surrounded by old buildings. It’s a small town, but there are a couple of restaurants and cafes.

Walk down the street for a short distance, then ónce you reach the end of the old, pretty part, return to the main square. Now take the road up to your left. Continue along this road and after about 1km it’ll bring you back to your car and the end of this walk.

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Check out our guide to Visiting Sacra di San Michele Monastery and our Walking Tour of Turin, or for more walks and hikes, check out our Italy Hiking Page.