The Morenic Amphitheater of Ivrea, located in the north-western part of Canavese, is a monument of great geological significance. Its boundaries extend across three different provinces in Piedmont: the Metropolitan City of Turin, the Province of Biella, and the Province of Vercelli.
Within the Morenic Amphitheater, there are three UNESCO sites worth visiting: the industrial city of the 20th century Ivrea, the picturesque Ducal Castle of Agliè, and the pile-dwelling site of Viverone. This area is crossed by the Via Francigena di Sigerico, offering numerous opportunities for pleasant walks along the paths through the vineyards of Erbaluce.
The Morenic Amphitheater is characterized by gentle hills and picturesque lakes, such as Lake Viverone, Lake Candia, and the Five Lakes of Ivrea. These places offer various outdoor activities, allowing visitors to enjoy moments of relaxation and adventure immersed in nature.
The Morenic Amphitheater of Ivrea is a unique geological area, formed by morainic hills surrounding an extensive area of over 600 square kilometers. The Serra d’Ivrea, the eastern arm of the amphitheater, extends for over 25 km with a rectilinear shape and an altitude exceeding 600 meters. This morainic ridge has inestimable global naturalistic value.
In the left arm of the amphitheater, there are imposing erratic boulders, transported by the Balteo Glacier and often used as “altars” by the ancient inhabitants of Canavese. Today, walking in the woods, it is still possible to spot these ancient artifacts covered by vegetation. The formation of these boulders is due to the movements that gave rise to the Alps and later the glacier’s transport to their current positions.
The amphitheater is crossed by the Dora Baltea and hosts the most famous city in the area, Ivrea, known for the project of Adriano Olivetti. In 2018, Ivrea was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Serra d’Ivrea is also part of the Via Francigena di Sigerico, a historical route crossing Europe.
The Morenic Amphitheater of Ivrea hosts several lakes, including Lake Viverone, the third largest in Piedmont, the Natural Park of Lake Candia, and the Five Lakes of Ivrea, as well as other smaller water bodies. These places offer relaxing alternatives to crowded tourist destinations and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.
The region is also characterized by castles and wines. Among the well-known castles are the Castle of Agliè, included in the UNESCO-recognized Savoy residences of Piedmont, and the Castle of Masino, hosting exhibitions and international green markets. Vine cultivation has always been a tradition in the area, with the vineyards of Erbaluce producing three variants of wine: still, sparkling, and passito. Towards the Valle d’Aosta, you’ll find Carema, an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts.