Lakes of Avigliana: Silent Mirrors of Water at Turin's Doorstep

Twenty-five kilometres from Turin's ring road is all it takes to find yourself on the shore of a lake where mallards swim among the reeds and coypu peek from muddy banks. The Lakes of Avigliana — Grande and Piccolo, linked by a canal and enclosed within the Avigliana Lakes Regional Park — are one of the most accessible corners of nature in Piedmont, yet they remain virtually ignored by regional tourism.

Two Lakes, Two Characters

Lago Grande, with its 102 hectares, is surrounded by a cycling and walking path that covers almost its entire perimeter: about 8 kilometres on flat ground, suitable for all ages. Lago Piccolo is wilder, less accessible on its western shore, with marsh vegetation where great crested grebes and grey herons nest. Between November and March, kingfishers can be spotted along the connecting canal.

The Medieval Village Above the Lakes

Avigliana's old town, perched above the lakes on a moraine spur, preserves a system of medieval squares — Piazza Conte Rosso and Piazza Bonafonte — with fourteenth- and fifteenth-century porticoed buildings largely intact. The church of San Giovanni Battista houses a polyptych attributed to Defendente Ferrari. The village can be explored on foot in forty minutes: there are no paid admissions.

Practicalities and Seasons

Avigliana is reachable by train from Torino Porta Susa in 25 minutes on the Bardonecchia line: the lakes are a 15-minute walk from the station. The park is open all year and admission is free. Spring brings black alder blossom; autumn delivers warm colours and morning mists over the lakes. Avoid August, when Turinese in search of relief occupy the few picnic areas. The lakeside bar rents bicycles at 10 euros per hour.