Travel Guide Pinerolo

Pinerolo (or Pignerol in French) is an ancient village located between the Chisone and Pellice valleys, on the road to France. Founded in 1044 by Adelaide of Savoy, in the 12th century it was the capital of the Savoyard possessions beyond the Alps. In the early 15th century, however, the town lost its importance to Turin, which became capital of the Duchy of Savoy in 1431. Strongly interested in its strategic position, François I occupied the town in 1536 and, in 1630, Cardinal de Richelieu had it fortified by the architect Vauban, who began construction of the famous fortress on the city's heights. A French prison that housed, among others, Fouquet and legendary figures such as the mythical Iron Mask, the fortress was later destroyed. Emperor Napoleon occupied it from 1798 to 1814. From the end of the 19th century onwards, the town's history became intertwined with that of a united Italy.Military history is an inseparable part of Pinerolo's history, particularly from the second half of the 19th century onwards, when the town became home to the Scuoladi Cavalleria (Cavalry School), one of the most prestigious in the Savoy kingdom. The town's religious buildings and attractive pedestrian center are well worth a visit. In addition to the incredible 11th-century cathedral, these include the 15th-century Gothic basilica of Saint-Maurice, and the Baroque churches of San Rocco and San Giuseppe, the latter now used as a concert hall.