Piedmont Tour (2nd part)

DAY 8: the Marquisate of Saluzzo: Cistercian simplicity and refined courtly life

Within Piedmont, the Marquisate based in the city of Saluzzo knew its heyday between the 14th and the 16th c. Testimonies of such period are several refined building dedicated to the amusement and the pleasure of the nobility, in stark contrast with the austere simplicity of a major Cistercian abbey. During this more relaxed day, we will be able to enjoy the city of Saluzzo, to visit the castle of Manta where the famous fresco of the fountain of eternal youth is preserved, and to discuss the meaning of Cistercian life on-site, at the abbey of Staffarda. All such sites are at a very short distance from each other.

Cloister, Abbey of Staffarda

DAY 9: Religious toleration and religious hate at the border with France

The endeavors of the Marquis of Saluzzo to dote his territories with art works has left some quite stunning frescoes in very unusual places such as churches nested high in the mountains, toward what is not the border of Italy with France. Besides visiting one of such examples, the church in Elva, we will also tour the town of Chianale, which is especially interesting because it witnessed the pacific coexistence of a Catholic parish and a Reformed community for some time during the 17th c, until the edict of 1713 started the persecution of those who did not accept Catholicism. The previous efforts by Franciscans to convert the population evidently were not successful, but the historical traces of such mission are worth a visit. These valleys of the Marquisate of Saluzzo present also a number of menhirs which were Christianized by crosses and inscriptions, instead of being removed and destroyed. Keeping with the theme of religion as means of conviction and coercion in the Reformation era, the day will end at the sanctuary of Vicoforte, a major example of Baroque theatrical building, sporting the fourth wider elliptical dome in the world built as a baldachin to a miraculous icon of Mary.

Renaissance frescoes in the church of Elva

 

DAY 10: Nuns and wine tasting in the hills of Langhe

This day will be a relaxing one, mostly dedicated to the wonderful landscapes of Langhe. This is were Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, and Dolcetto are produced. We will also tour briefly the city of Alba, which keeps among other buildings a relatively rare examples of female convent, the Dominican nunnery of St.Margaret of Savoy. This might give us the occasion to discuss the contrast between asceticism and life-enjoyment while sipping a very good glass of wine. What is true mysticism after all?

City of Barolo

 

DAY 11: Splendor of Baroque religiosity and the Shroud of Turin

This day will be fully dedicated to the capital of Piedmont, the city of Torino (Turin), whose present Baroque structure is due to a major strategic planning which was implemented in the early 18th c., intending to rival Versaille, when Torino became the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia. The morning will include a short visit to he centre of town and the chapel of the Holy Shroud, as well as the “Museo d’Arte Antica” which hosts the most precious works of religious medieval art from the whole region. The afternoon will be free for choosing between many options, among which the Museum of the Holy Shroud, or the very renowned Egyptian Antiquity Museum, or some of the many Baroque churches and palaces, or simply wandering and shopping.

The Black Madonna and other saints showing the Holy Shroud, Biella

DAY 12: departures from Turin/Caselle airport or from Malpensa airport

St. Charles' square, Torino

Variation in the itinerary: because of difficulties with the opening hours of some sites, day 7 and day 11 will be swapped, i.e. the visit of the city of Turin will take place on day 7 and day 11 will be dedicated to the lower portion of the Susa Valley.

ACCOMODATIONS:

Day 1 and day 2:

http://www.ristorantedicrea.it/

Pilgrim Guest House of the Sanctuary of Crea

Day 3:

http://www.albergosacromonte.it/

Pilgrim Guest House of the Sacred Mount of Varallo

Day 4 and 5: 

http://www.santuariodioropa.it/db/en/

Pilgrim Guest House of the Sanctuary of Oropa

Day 6, 7, and 11:

http://www.certosa1515.org/en/

Certosa di Avigliana (formerly Capuchin convent, then nun Chartreuse)

Day 8:
http://www.castellorosso.com/
Castle in Costigliole Saluzzo

Day 9:

http://www.santuariodivicoforte.it/it/home.php

Pilgrim Guest House of the Sanctuary of Vicoforte

Day 10:
http://www.casanicolini.com/
Hotel Casa Nicolini (farm house)
  

Price: 1600 Euros. The price for the tour includes accommodation in double rooms (with bathroom en suite), breakfast and dinner, visits and tickets to the sites. Single rooms: 150 Euros more. Luxury rooms may be available; a request should to be expressed at the time of reservation. Any dietary requirement should also be expressed at the time of reservation. 

This is a tour/pilgrimage organized by Christ Church Episcopal Parish, Ontario, California. Booking and payments should be handled with the parish secretary
Tamara Lindvall: christchurchontariocal@gmail.com

Interested folks are kindly requested to book before February 15. Latecomers might be accepted, depending on availability. 

N.B. The price does not include airfare and luncheons.

Tour leader: Gianluigi Gugliermetto has studied philosophy in Torino (Piedmont, Italy) and has received his Ph.D. in religion from Claremont Graduate University (Claremont, California). He is a deacon in the Episcopal Church. His scholarly interests include Christian spirituality and mysticism in the Middle Ages, monasticism and gender issues in religion, religious diversity, and the connection between theology, liturgy, and the sacredness of space.

You can write to Gianluigi for questions regarding the itinerary and the accommodations:
ggugliermetto65@gmail.com