Cities
Torre Pellice (TO)
Legends tell of fairy creatures (known as “fantina” in the local dialect), who live in the hidden caves and rocky crags of the Val Pellice valley and have the power to bestow wisdom and happiness on men and women. Historically, however, the town has gradually assumed the role of cultural and religious capital of the Protestant community of Piedmont, the Valdesi, after long centuries of persecution and struggle for religious freedom, which have left their mark on the valley and its people.
The Museum of Valdese history is the right place to start if you want to learn about the history and religion of the Valdese community; it also includes a section on their racial origins and social customs, as well as a very interesting library. This Protestant church has many other institutions of its own: the Foresteria, a hostel for visitors and travellers; the Casa Valdese, the administrative centre; the Collegio secondary school, founded in 1831 on the model of an English college, and now a European curriculum high school; and the Tempio, the principal place of worship, where each year the Synod of the church is held.
Tourists will be interested in visiting the “Bars d’la tajola”, an ancient mountain refuge where the Valdesi lay hidden to escape persecution. Torre Pellice also boasts two modern art galleries: the Filippo Scroppo city gallery in Via D’Azeglio and the Tucci Russo gallery in Via Stamperia. Ice hockey is a popular sport in this town and matches played by the local team in the new City Ice Rink attract enthusiastic crowds.
Info
Via Repubblica, 1 - 10066 Torre Pellice (To)
Tel.: +39.0121 953221
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