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THE TERRITORY AND ITS HISTORY

THE HISTORY OF CESANA TORINESE

An age-old culture of great importance

Following the ancient route of the Roman road from the Po Valley to Gaul, one can spot the exact location where Cesana is located today. The name Sesana appears in some documents in the 11th century,

In the early Middle Ages, the road lost its commercial relevance, while maintaining its military importance.

In 1155 the Dauphin Guigues V asked Emperor Frederick I for permission to mint copper and silver coins in Cesana. From 1281 these coins bore the Dauphin as symbol of the lords and it was present in all the coats of arms of the surrounding area.

A legend, which may have some basis in truth, tells of a feudal lord of Cesana, Desorsus Tolosano, who had established a tyrannical regime, thought to exploit for his own pleasure the ius primae noctis (i.e. the custom whereby the ‘master’ who, on the occasion of the marriage of one of his servants, could take the place of the husband on the wedding night). In this endeavour, he was killed by a Cesanese dressed as a bride, and the same fate befell his son.

In 1343 the Escartons Republic was founded and Cesana became part of Escarton d’Oulx until 1713 when it was ceded to the Savoy family by the Treaty of Utrecht.

Between the 14th and 17th centuries, the entire Cesana valley found itself in the midst of religious wars fought mainly against the ‘heretics’ of the Pragelato valleys.

At the beginning of the 20th century, following the deterioration of relations with France, the presence of the military in Cesana intensified.

The construction of new roads led to a surge in commercial traffic and “tourists”, especially vacationers, made their appearance.

Mountains are the great cathedrals of the earth, with their portals of rock, the mosaics of clouds, the choirs of torrents, altars of snow, and vaults of purple sparkling stars. (John Ruskin)

THE TERRITORY

Cesana Torinese is located about 90 km from Turin and 10 km from the French border in the Upper Susa Valley, at an altitude of 1354 metres. It lies at the foot of Mount Chaberton and at the confluence of the Ripa stream, which arises from the valley of the same name, and the Piccola Dora stream, which descends from the Montgénévre Pass.

Reviewing its numerous parishes and boroughs, you will come across signs of history, art, traditions and a heritage of cultures, ancient and noble crafts.

The territory of Cesana Torinese abounds in lakes, the largest of which is Lake Nero.

A site of interest in both summer and winter

A winter hub for skiing, with ski lifts in the town itself, in summer it offers all kinds of open-air activities: from hiking and mountain bike itineraries to off-road activities for motorbikes and cars. Horse riding, golf, padel or yoga lessons are some of the activities available in Cesana!