Caprie: Torrente Sessi, Rocca Sella and Cultural Heritage
Accommodation in Caprie
Torrente Sessi and Rocky Landscape
The Torrente Sessi flows into a spectacular gorge near Peroldrado. The gorge of the Torrente Sessi is a popular destination for canyoning, also known as torrentismo. The rock walls around the gorge of the Torrente Sessi are suitable for climbing. The characteristic wooden walkways known as “Le Pianche” make it possible to cross the Torrente Sessi on foot.
The Falesia del Cevrè is located in the upper valley of the Torrente Sessi.
Via Ferrata and Vertical Rocca Sella
The Via ferrata di Caprie can be used year-round and is also suitable for people trying this sport for the first time. The upper section is called “Trapezio di Magia” and features a 25-metre-long Tibetan bridge. This crossing can be bypassed. There is a car park for the Via ferrata di Caprie on the road to Novaretto; from there, the route’s starting point can be reached in about 10 minutes.
The Vertical Rocca Sella is the most demanding route in the municipality of Caprie and was designed for mountain runners. The Vertical Rocca Sella includes a “Mezzo Vertical” from Novaretto to Celle with an elevation gain of 600 metres, as well as a “Vertical” from Novaretto to Rocca Sella with an elevation gain of 1,100 metres.
Rocca Sella and the Via Francigena
Monte Caprasio is now called Rocca Sella and lies at the entrance to the Susa Valley, on the northern side of the valley opposite Pirchiriano. Rocca Sella is a destination for excursions offering views of the Turin plain and the lower Susa Valley. The ancient Via Francigena also passes through Caprie.
Churches in Caprie and Novaretto
The Parrocchiale di Santa Maria Assunta is distinguished by its Romanesque bell tower. The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the oldest buildings in the Susa Valley and is one of the few buildings with a crypt. The crypt dates back to the 11th century. The Parrocchiale di Santa Maria Assunta also contains Romanesque frescoes depicting the Virgin Mary and the symbols of the Evangelists. The crypt can be reached through an interior passage and a steep, old stone staircase.
The Parrocchiale di San Pancrazio is a Baroque church consecrated in 1726. The Cappella del Beneficio Coppo in the Parrocchiale di San Pancrazio contains a polychrome marble altar from the 18th century. The present-day Parrocchiale di San Rocco in Novaretto dates from the second half of the 19th century and is designed in the Neo-Romanesque style. The Parrocchiale di San Rocco contains an altarpiece from the school of Defendente Ferrari. The Cappella di San Rocco was built in 1733 out of gratitude for the end of the plague.
Celle, John Vincent and Bertone
The name of the small Borgo di Celle sul monte Caprasio is probably connected with the hermit monks who lived there around the year 1000. The Borgo di Celle sul monte Caprasio includes a church built into the natural rock, known as “la grotta”. Monte Caprasio was chosen by John Vincent as a place of hermitage. The cult of Saint John Vincent is still celebrated today in the rock chapel in Celle near the parish church.
The new Bertone headquarters in Caprie was inaugurated on 15 October 1972. The Bertone automotive design centre in Caprie houses an extensive exhibition of prototypes, which can be visited during events.
Cycling Routes, Motorcycle Excursions and Susa Valley Apples
Caprie has numerous cycling routes as well as paved and unpaved roads suitable for excursions on road, cross and enduro motorcycles. “La mela e dintorni” is dedicated to discovering and promoting the apples of the Susa Valley.
Further destinations for orientation: Chiesanuova, Monti, Ceres, Carella, Fenestrelle, Bobbio Pellice, Claviere and Valprato Soana.
To the main travel overview: Turin.
