Overview
On the peak of the hill overlooking the village rises the Romanesque Church of Santo Stefano del Monte, built in the 11th century and once the site of a Benedictine priory. The most evocative part of the church, divided into three naves, is the crypt, supported by slender columns and decorated capitals. Until 1970, a highly venerated painted marble statue of the Madonna and Child was kept here; it is now housed in the parish church of Candia. From the meadow surrounding the church, there is a breathtaking view of the lake.
Lake Candia
Just a few minutes from the town center lies the lake, one of the most fascinating wetlands in Piedmont. It is a nature reserve and a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Measuring 2.2 km in length and 900 m in width, and located at 226 meters above sea level, the lake is protected as a Provincial Natural Park. It is rich in both resident and migratory birdlife, offering shelter to numerous species of nesting and wintering birds in the marshy areas along the northern shore.
The lake is an ideal spot for a relaxing break, immersed in the peaceful atmosphere of an unspoiled natural reserve. Marked dirt paths are available for mountain biking, with rentals offered along the shoreline. The calm waters are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, Canadian canoeing, and dragon boating.
The road continues, offering views of the lake’s wide surface—dotted with rowers and reflecting the peaks of the alpine foothills. The lake then gives way to the Canavese plain, dotted with cornfields and offering beautiful views of the Ivrea Morainic Amphitheater.
At this point, the landscape changes as the road winds through the vineyards of the Royal Wine Route and horse farms—horses being a distinctive element of the region—leading to the historic center and panoramic viewpoint of Mazzè, where a castle towers over the landscape.
The route then descends toward the Dora River, with clearly visible glacial terraces, and crosses it via a characteristic red brick bridge, from which you can see the hydroelectric barriers that define the river. Passing through flower-filled villages and “Scottish-style” lakes, you reach the charming village of Maglione, known for its murals, before returning to the plains, dotted with villas in scenic hillside locations.
10010 Candia Canavese TO, Italia
