The Corona delle Delizie (”Crown of Delights”) represents one of the most precious treasures of our city and, probably, of the entire region.

Walking through it is an opportunity not only to cross and admire the beautiful landscapes of Turin, but also to immerse yourself in its history and that of the Savoy dynasty.

For this reason, the Corona della Delizie and its destinations are a real must not only for lovers of nature and history, but also for any cyclist who decides to explore our city.

The History

The Corona delle Delizie was born from the desire of the Savoy family to see all the royal residences of the House of Savoy where court life was concentrated under a single system, as a testimony not only to the beauty of Turin, but also to the prestige and power of the Savoy dynasty.

The vision behind the project, started between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and commissioned to the greatest architects of the time such as Filippo Juvarra, includes historic residences of beauty and unique elegance such as castles, palaces, maison de plaisir and royal palaces where noble families, artists and courtiers gathered to share moments of leisure and inspiration surrounded by hills, rivers and other treasures of the surrounding countryside.

The shape of this system takes the form of a real ‘’Crown’’ that surrounds the city, embellished with architectural wonders and scenic beauties that have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and today constitute a real historical-cultural itinerary that allows cyclists from all over Italy and beyond to cross centuries of our city’s history, admire historical collections, participate in chamber concerts and other events.

 

The cycle path of the Corona delle Delizie

The Corona delle Delizie cycle path was created with the intention of combining the Savoy residence system into a single itinerary that can be used by every type of cyclist, from the most to the least experienced. This consists of a system of rural roads and cycle paths about 90 km long that allows you to cross the main places that make up the historical and cultural heritage of Turin, such as Mirafiori Castle, Villa della Regina, Regio Parco, Venaria, Stupinigi and the Parco del Valentino.

Each stage can be reached in total tranquility and safety, far from the dangers and noise of city traffic, allowing cyclists to cross suggestive river and agricultural landscapes passing through the municipalities of Collegno, Pianezza, Grugliasco, Druento, Venaria, Settimo Torinese, San Mauro and Rivoli.

Thanks to the work of Bici&Dintorni, part of the Turin federation of the FIAB (Italian Federation of Friends of Bicycles), the Crown of Delights has become one of the favourite destinations for all cycling enthusiasts in Italy and Europe, as well as being one of the most popular tourist hubs in our region.

What’s to see

Given its corwn-like Shape, there is no ” right ‘’ way to travel the Corona delle Delizie cycle path and, above all, given its 90 km, it is not even necessary to travel it all to fully enjoy the experience. Just 15-20 km from Venaria to Stupinigi will be enough for an unforgettable two-wheeled tour.

Parco del Meisino

The Meisino Nature Reserve  is one of the 12 protected areas that make up the Po Torinese Park. Its location, between the Po river and the Superga hill, has earned it Meisino, from the Piedmontese mezzino, which means‘ ’middle ground’ ’.

With its 45 hectares of extension, it represents the largest protected area in the city that includes, in addition to the shooting range and several fields where you can stop to play beach volleyball or football, the artificial island of Bertolla that serves as a natural habitat for herons and other types of birds.

During the summer, it might be a good idea to stop for a nice swim. In fact, close to the confluence between the Stura and the Po, you will find the Lido di Torino (also called Il Lido dell ‘Amicizia), a real beach where you can stop to sunbathe or have a good refreshing swim.

The Palace of Venaria

Perhaps the most precious jewel of the Crown of Delights, the Palace of Venaria is the most important of the Savoy residences and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and, in 2019, the most beautiful public park in Italy.

With its majestic gardens, the palace extends over an area of about 80,000 square meters that house parks and architectural beauties such as the Juvarrian Stables and the Halls of the Arts where you can admire splendid exhibitions of ancient and contemporary art or participate in cultural events surrounded by a unique atmosphere that will almost make you feel part of the court life of the past.

Even just walking through the beautiful gardens of the palace is an experience in itself, where you can lose yourself in the harmonious shapes and colours that will take you back to an era of elegance and refinement.

Rivoli Castle

Another point of reference where the history and culture of our city is concentrated, Rivoli Castle and another of the historic Savoy residences and, like the Palace of Venaria, the project was entrusted to the architect Filippo Juvarra.

Today, the castle is home to the Museum of Contemporary Art, it has become a real point of reference for the artistic world and for experimentation, hosting contemporary works of art by masters such as Kandinsky, Klee, Renoir, Modigliani and many others.

 

Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi

From the Rivoli Castle, continuing towards Nichelino, you will come across another of the Savoy residences: the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi.

With its 150,000 square metres of parkland, the Palazzina was designed as a place to concentrate all the amusements of court life such as parties, concerts and, in particular, hunting trips.

As with the Rivoli Castle, a walk through the Hunting Palace of Stupinigi will be an opportunity to take a walk immersed in a royal atmosphere of yesteryear. And, if you want to take a more cultural break, you can attend concerts and shows held in the majestic ‘’Cour d’Honneur’’.

Valentino Park

Following the Po and continuing towards Turin, you will reach Valentino Park, the most famous public park in our city.

Every day, hundreds of Torinese decide to meet up at Valentino for a walk, a picnic or an aperitif while enjoying the view of the sun setting over the Po or exploring the infinite heritage of trees and plants that constitute a real tree heritage that colour the park with the colours of the season.

But, going deeper into the park, you can discover other beauties such as the rocky garden, with its streams, cobbled streets and flowering flower beds will make you feel immersed in a magical world hidden from the urban chaos of the city.

Once you have passed the paths of colours and scents in the Valentino garden, you will find yourself in front of the last of the Savoy residences: Valentino Castle. Here you can explore the splendid rooms finely decorated according to French taste and immerse yourself one last time in the splendours and elegance of court life.

 

* Also possible to run short single stages of 10-15 km.