Abbonamento Musei, in collaboration with Piemonturismo, is organizing a series of visits included in the "Antonelliana Network. The Culture that Unites" program, dedicated to Alessandro Antonelli, exploring dedicated and lesser-known itineraries.
This first trip, on June 6, will begin in Romagnano Sesia, where we'll visit Villa Caccia, home to the MEV - Historical and Ethnographic Museum of the Lower Valsesia. We'll then visit Ghemme, a small gem and the architect's hometown.
The route is partially accessible for those with mobility difficulties (the day includes walking).
No animals are allowed, except for companion animals. Name changes are possible only up to 3 days in advance.
The activities will continue even in the event of inclement weather; furthermore, the organizers reserve the right to reschedule and rearrange the program based on organizational needs.
Departure from Turin at 8:30 a.m.
Destination: Romagnano Sesia, visit to the MEV - Historical Ethnographic Museum of the Lower Sesia Valley, housed in Villa Caccia. Designed by Alessandro Antonelli starting in 1840, Villa Caccia was built on the site of the existing 17th-century Capuchin convent, integrating its walls into the new architectural structure. The building features a neoclassical central body, characterized by regular volumes, rigorous symmetry, and a typically Antonellian focus on monumental spaces. The two rustic wings, added in the second half of the 19th century, define a large entrance plaza that lends the residence a striking visual impact. The villa is surrounded by a historic park structured on terraces and scenic paths; of particular note is the 19th-century design of the gardens and orchard, entrusted to the Roda brothers. The interiors retain some of Antonelli's original spatial solutions, characterized by clear layout and decorative sobriety. Today, the restored complex houses the Lower Valsesia Historical Ethnographic Ecomuseum, which promotes the ancient villa as a cultural hub for the area: a journey through the history, traditions, and material culture of Romagnano Sesia and the surrounding area. A museum at the center of a dynamic project aimed at enhancing environmental and cultural resources.
Optional lunch in Ghemme at Il Gufo Nero restaurant with the following menu: Mixed Piedmontese appetizer (salad, pickled vegetables, and cold cuts) First course (typical paniscia) House-made dessert consisting of 3 samples (chocolate pudding, tiramisu, beignets filled with Chantilly cream and dipped in chocolate, house-made tart) Water and coffee
Lunch reservations by May 15th.
Please inform us of any allergies or intolerances. Free time for those not participating in the lunch program.
In the early afternoon, visit Ghemme, including the Scurolo della Beata Panacea and its ricetto. Ghemme, Alessandro Antonelli's hometown, holds some of the most significant testimonies to the architect's relationship with his hometown. Ghemme boasts a plaque commemorating Antonelli's birthplace, underscoring the profound bond between the master and his hometown.
Another Antonellian highlight is the expansive Scurolo della Beata Panacea inside the parish church: begun in 1864, the architect designed it with particular attention to construction quality and structural performance. The building is a significant example of Piedmontese Baroque and features a clear and balanced architectural layout, in which the pursuit of harmonious proportions is complemented by the use of carefully selected materials. The Church of San Rocco preserves the wooden throne designed by Antonelli, still used for the procession during the patron saint's day in May; the original design is preserved in the State Archives of Novara. Ghemme also offers tourism potential thanks to its medieval Castle-Ricetto and the potential for connections with local wine production. The vineyards surrounding the village produce the eponymous wine, offering a beautiful view of a plot cultivated using the Maggiorina method, perfected by Antonelli himself. Departure around 5:00 PM and arrival in Turin around 6:30 PM.
Important Notes: If the minimum number of participants (30) is not reached, all fees will be fully refunded or converted into vouchers.
Meeting Point: 8:30 AM, Corso San Martino, corner of Piazza XVIII Dicembre, restaurant side.
Price per person: €15
The price includes: Transportation, tour leader, guides, assistance and baggage insurance, radio guides. FOR SUBSCRIBERS or Torino Piemonte Card holders: admission to the Ethnographic Museum FOR THOSE WHO SELECT THE LUNCH OPTION: lunch as described
The price does not include: Anything not mentioned in the inclusions. FOR NON-SUBSCRIBERS: €7.50 admission to the Ethnographic Museum.
Info & Reservations Bookings: Online at our offices in CORSO SVIZZERA 185 BUILDING 5 SCALA B 1ST FLOOR 10149 TURIN, Monday to Friday 10:30 am - 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm. Payment in cash (please provide the exact amount; we cannot provide change as the office is usually closed to the public). By bank transfer, write to booking@piemonturismo.it for contact information, including your name, surname, tax code, address, and telephone number.