There is little historical information about the village, which has always followed the vicissitudes of Lanzo.
During the Middle Ages, the village was under the influence of Lanzo, aggregated by Charlemagne to the county of Turin. According to some scholars, Ceres belonged to the diocese of Turin, which around the year 1000 had already assigned part of its territory to the Benedictine monastery of Mathi, and then from 1310 it passed under the rule of the Savoys.
A certain historical fact is that in 1724 Ceres was given as a feud by the Savoys to Leonardo Cotto of Scurzolengo.
In the 19th century it began to be known and frequented as a summer resort, given its location in an area rich in woods and chestnut groves and ideal as a departure point for excursions to the nearby mountains.
The construction of the Turin-Ceres railway line was very important both for tourism and for connections to the capital. Work began in 1868, in 1876 the line was brought to Lanzo, and in 1916 the entire mountain line was completed with stretches with a maximum gradient of 35 per cent, 200-metre radius curves and an overall length of about 44 km, the first railway in the world to adopt high-voltage direct current electric traction. And then there is the enchanting station, strictly Art Nouveau with a pitched roof made of wood and a roof that was later rebuilt in lose, in typical Swiss style with a rectangular layout.
A visit to the Museum of the People of the Lanzo Valleys is worthwhile to learn a part of local history. Local life is narrated through ancient crafts, everyday objects and work tools. Of particular note is the collection of nails that were forged in this very valley.
The Voragno Chapel with frescoes from the 17th century bears witness to the passage of the Shroud.
A visit to the humpbacked Ponte della Vana bridge built in 1740 and the ancient chapel of Santa Cristina, the destination of the hike, from which there is a splendid panorama, is a must.
Paths and climbs: you’ll be spoilt for choice.
During the Middle Ages, the village was under the influence of Lanzo, aggregated by Charlemagne to the county of Turin. According to some scholars, Ceres belonged to the diocese of Turin, which around the year 1000 had already assigned part of its territory to the Benedictine monastery of Mathi, and then from 1310 it passed under the rule of the Savoys.
A certain historical fact is that in 1724 Ceres was given as a feud by the Savoys to Leonardo Cotto of Scurzolengo.
In the 19th century it began to be known and frequented as a summer resort, given its location in an area rich in woods and chestnut groves and ideal as a departure point for excursions to the nearby mountains.
The construction of the Turin-Ceres railway line was very important both for tourism and for connections to the capital. Work began in 1868, in 1876 the line was brought to Lanzo, and in 1916 the entire mountain line was completed with stretches with a maximum gradient of 35 per cent, 200-metre radius curves and an overall length of about 44 km, the first railway in the world to adopt high-voltage direct current electric traction. And then there is the enchanting station, strictly Art Nouveau with a pitched roof made of wood and a roof that was later rebuilt in lose, in typical Swiss style with a rectangular layout.
A visit to the Museum of the People of the Lanzo Valleys is worthwhile to learn a part of local history. Local life is narrated through ancient crafts, everyday objects and work tools. Of particular note is the collection of nails that were forged in this very valley.
The Voragno Chapel with frescoes from the 17th century bears witness to the passage of the Shroud.
A visit to the humpbacked Ponte della Vana bridge built in 1740 and the ancient chapel of Santa Cristina, the destination of the hike, from which there is a splendid panorama, is a must.
Paths and climbs: you’ll be spoilt for choice.