From the Stones a Tower,
from the Tower its History

Guardian of Ancient Memories and Heritage of the Alto Canavese.

Discover the History How to Visit

A Heritage to
Rediscover

A journey through time among ancient walls and breathtaking landscapes.

Our Story How to Visit

Welcome to the Fortress House

"A journey through centuries of history."

Welcome to the Fortress House of Torre Pietra. After a careful and meticulous restoration, the monument is finally open to welcome you on a path that will lead you to the top of the tower, revealing the history of the Tower, the mountain fortress houses, and the Alto Canavese territory.

Built on a massive glacial erratic boulder carried by Pleistocene glaciers, the Tower is now the focal point of the small hamlet and its ancient agro-pastoral landscape.

Floor plan and sections of the original structure

The Context and the Fortress House

Dating back to the 12th–13th century, the medieval Fortress House of Torre Pietra stands at 580 meters above sea level, overlooking the valley opening onto the Alto Canavese plain. Originally isolated, like most mountain fortress houses, it was later joined by rural buildings over the centuries.

Its strategic position allowed it to serve multiple purposes: passive defense to protect crops and wealth from bandits, and territorial control to spot incursions and warn the villages below.

The Restoration and Enhancement Project

The restoration of the Fortress House of Torre Pietra was conceived by Dino Ronchietto and Iailsa Tapparo. In 2018, they consolidated ownership by acquiring the Tower next to the family farmhouse. After years of planning, construction finally began in 2024.

Despite the loss of the original wooden floors and the critical condition of the roof, the restoration was careful and respectful. Architectural elements such as stone portals, monolithic window blocks, and defensive loopholes were enhanced, while preserving the four-level structure marked by the original wooden floors.