Category: activities

In Turin, just 20 minutes from the holiday-house Cascina 6b, there is a place that celebrates the coffee in all its forms.

I’m talking about the Lavazza Museum; located in the Nuvola Lavazza, a modern structure designed by architect Cino Zucchi. The museum is part of an innovative architectural complex that also houses offices, a conference center, a gourmet restaurant, a bistro and a public garden.

This area represents an interesting union between past and future, integrating historical elements of the Aurora neighborhood, such as the converted power plant.

The history of Lavazza

Lavazza’s journey began in 1895, when Luigi Lavazza, a young Turin entrepreneur, purchased a grocery store in the center of Turin. At the time, coffee was a rare and expensive product, but Luigi Lavazza had a revolutionary intuition: mixing different qualities of coffee, coming from different countries and varieties, to create a unique and personalized taste. This mixing technique allowed Lavazza to differentiate itself, offering products with a constant and easily recognizable flavour.

So, during the twentieth century, the company also expanded internationally, carrying out continuous innovation in production and packaging processes, such as the introduction of vacuum packaging, to respond to market needs. At the same time, it consolidated its image through iconic advertising campaigns, with television commercials and billboards starring famous actors and artists, thus contributing to making Lavazza a symbol of Italian coffee in the world, associating the brand with creativity and quality recognized globally.

The thematic galleries of the Museum

The museum itinerary winds through five thematic galleries, each of which is designed to explore a different aspect of the history and culture of coffee, offering the visitor an engaging and interactive journey.

The visit begins with “Casa Lavazza“, where the main stages of the company’s life are retraced, including documents, photographs, notes, account books and period objects. A few steps away is the “Sport Area”, a space that tells the story of the relationship between Lavazza and the most important sporting companies.

Subsequently, “La Fabbrica” ​​allows you to relive the magic of the coffee production and retrace the entire coffee supply chain, from the plantation to the cup, also revealing the most significant and important figures in the coffee manufacturing process, starting from the producers up to to the master roasters.

With “La Piazza“, a small square in the Sixties style, you have the opportunity to take a break and rediscover the slow rhythms of sharing and conviviality. It is a space where the ritual of coffee is celebrated, starting from the icons of Lavazza, such as the espresso and the cup, up to the space and the different forms of this precious drink, a source of inspiration, creativity and continuous innovation .

The journey continues upstairs with “L’Atelier“, a unique space reminiscent of a film set with its images and installations. Here, you can also take souvenir photos in the various designated locations and admire the extraordinary calendars, created by the most famous photographers in the world.

The last stop is “The Universe“, a true 360° multimedia immersion thanks to the use of interactive and multimedia technology that tells the story of the coffee bean’s journey. The exhibition uses immersive videos, ambient sounds and immersive projections to transport visitors on a journey that explores various aspects of the world of coffee, such as botanical characteristics, cultivation methods, harvesting, roasting and preparation.

The visit culminates with the “Coffee Experience”, a special moment in which you can taste the various aromatic notes and flavors that make Lavazza coffee a true icon. You can start from traditional espresso, explore different blends and continue with original Coffee Design creations, created together with renowned chefs and international coffee experts.

A small curiosity: the “Lavazza Cup”

In conclusion…

The Lavazza Museum is designed to offer an experience that goes beyond the simple exposure of objects, thanks above all to the interactive supports and multimedia installations, you will have the opportunity to explore the coffee production process, from origin to the cup and to discover the long path that transforms the beans into one of the most loved drinks in the world.

What are you waiting for! All you have to do is book a stay in one of our beautiful apartments and visit the museum and what the area around Cascina6b can offer in complete comfort!

Point of interests

The Nuvola Lavazza

Bistrot Casa Lavazza

Restaurant “Condividere“

How to reach the Lavazza Museum from Cascina 6b

By car: reachable in about 20 minutes. You can leave your car in the paid underground car park “Ancona”.

Public transports: reachable in just over 1 hour. Departure from San Maurizio C.se station towards Venaria Reale station. From here reach the “Stazione Venaria” bus stop and take bus 11 to the “Emilia” stop. In about 10 minutes on foot you will reach the Museum.

Clothes kit

Casual clothes and comfortable shoes

All I have to do is wish you

HAPPY VISIT🙂

Useful links

https://www.lavazza.com/en/lavazza-museum.html

https://www.cascina6b.com/en/

In the heart of the Canavese area, a few kilometers from Cascina 6b, arises the majestic Ducal Castle of Agliè, one of the most fascinating Savoy residences in Piedmont. This architectural jewel contains centuries of history and art, and today is one of the unmissable destinations for those who wants to discover the cultural and landscape heritage of Piedmont.

The origins of Agliè Castle date back to the 12th century, when it was built as a medieval fortress by the San Martino family. However, its real transformation occurred in the 17th century, thanks to Filippo d’Agliè, who had it renovated and enlarged, transforming it into a sumptuous baroque residence. Subsequently, in the 18th century, the castle passed into the hands of the Savoy family, becoming one of their favorite residences.

Under the Savoy dinasty, the complex was further enriched with refined decorations and a splendid park, which extends for over 300,000 square metres.

Thanks to the intervention of Duke Carlo Felice in the 19th century, the Castle also took on an elegant neoclassical touch, becoming one of the architectural pearls of Piedmont. Today the Agliè Castle is part of the circuit of the Savoy Residences, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and retains all its aristocratic and cultural charm intact.

The visit at the Castle

The guided tour, lasting about an hour, will take you through some of the over 300 rooms of the complex, offering you an insight into the life of the Savoy court; in fact, each room tells a story, revealing the taste, elegance and luxury of a bygone era.

Among the most representative rooms, the “Sala delle Feste” (Room of Parties) stands out, with its magnificent frescoes ceilings and elegant crystal chandeliers, which still today evoke the splendor of court receptions. The furnishings, tapestries and art collections present in the various rooms, offer a journey through the cultural and artistic evolution of the royal Savoy dynasty, testifying to their eclectic and refined taste.

A fascinating part of the visit itinerary is characterized by the underground kitchens of the castle, where sumptuous banquets were prepared for the royal family and their guests. These environments, still perfectly preserved today, offer an idea of ​​life “behind the scenes” of the residence, revealing the meticulous organization and efficiency that governed daily life at court.

The gardens

In addition to the interiors, you can also extend your visit to the splendid external gardens of the castle, which offer a perfect example of how landscape art can integrate harmoniously with architecture. Designed mainly in the Italian garden style, they are characterized by precise geometries, tree-lined avenues and hedges, which create an atmosphere of great beauty and tranquility.

Walking among the flowerbeds and fountains, you will be able to breathe in an atmosphere of tranquility and refinement. The sculptures that adorn the green spaces and the small pavilions hidden among the vegetation recall the aesthetic taste of the Savoy nobility, who considered the garden as a natural extension of the interior of the castle.

Curiosity: did you know that the castle was used as a set for a television series?

That’s right! This is the Italian series “Elisa di Rivombrosa” (2003-2005), a historical costume drama set in the 18th century in which the castle represents the residence of the protagonist, Count Fabrizio Ristori. Thanks to this series, the castle has gained considerable popularity, also attracting many visitors.

In conclusion…

The Ducal Castle of Agliè is much more than a simple residence: it is a place where history, art, nature and culture intertwine, creating a unique experience for those who visit it. A few kilometers from the Cascina 6b holiday home, it represents one of the pearls of Piedmont, capable of surprising and fascinating anyone who wants to discover its past and its timeless beauty.

Points of interests

Agliè Castle

Alfonsi Pastry

Agriturismo La Desiderata (The Desired Farmhouse)

How to reach the Ducal Castle of Agliè from Cascina 6b

By car: reachable in just over 30 minutes. You can leave your car in the square in front of the entrance to the Castle.

Public transports: by public transport it is a little more complicated to reach the Castle, but you can easily use the Cascina 6b transfer service which is very convenient!

Clothes kit

Casual clothes and comfortable shoes

All I have to do is wish you to

ENJOY YOUR VISIT🙂

Useful links

http://polomusealepiemonte.beniculturali.it/index.php/musei-e-luoghi-della-cultura/castello-di-aglie/visita-il-castello-di-aglie/

Turin is known as the capital of chocolate and gianduja. But do you know the history behind these delicacies?

To discover it, at the end of June, the Chocolate and Gianduja Museum, called Choco-Story, was inaugurated, a project aimed at narrating and sharing the history of chocolate. The Museum has been set up in the underground laboratories of Pasticceria Pfatisch, a historic pastry shop founded in 1915 by Gustavo Pfatisch, which is part of the Association of Historic Places of Italy, an organization that gathers over 200 historic Italian places linked to important events in Italy’s history.

The visit at the Museum

The visit lasts about an hour and consists of a journey through time exploring the history of chocolate: from the ancient recipes of the Mayans and Aztecs, to the introduction of cocoa in Europe, until the birth of the Piedmontese chocolate tradition, with particular attention to the famous “gianduiotto”.

During the museum tour, in addition to having an audio guide that will enrich your experience with curiosities and historical details, you can enjoy interactive games that will make your visit even more engaging. Moreover, at the end of the visit, you will be treated to delicious tastings of chocolate and gianduiotti prepared by the renowned Pasticceria Pfatisch. What more could you want?

Why is Turin the city of chocolate?

It all begins towards the end of the 16th century when Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy introduced cocoa through a steaming cup of hot chocolate, symbolically served to the city to celebrate the transfer of the ducal capital from Chambéry to Turin.

A little over a century later, in 1678, chef Giovanni Antonio Ari received a license from Princess Maria Giovanni Battista of Savoy to market the cocoa beverage “Bavareisa”. This drink, composed of chocolate, coffee, and milk cream, evolved over the course of the 19th century into the famous Bicerin, one of the symbols of the city of Turin.

Let’s move on to Gianduia. What are its origins?

In 1806, Napoleon decreed a continental embargo against the English, causing a shortage of colonial goods, including cocoa. Thus, Piedmontese artisans decided to extend their chocolate recipes with hazelnuts, creating a creamy mixture of cocoa, powdered toasted hazelnuts from Piedmont, and sugar, known as Gianduia.

But how did this name come about? It is said that during the Turin carnival of 1867, the character of Gianduia was so captivated by this mixture that he granted the chocolatiers a special authorization to call the much-appreciated blend “Gianduia”. Produced in the form of bars, the mixture gave rise to “small portions of Gianduia”, known as Gianduiotti, and to facilitate production, they became the first wrapped chocolates in the history of chocolate.

Today, Turin is recognized as one of the capitals of chocolate, thanks especially to the presence of ancient chocolatiers and pastry shops such as Pfatisch, Al Bicerin, Baratti & Milano, Caffè San Carlo, La Farmacia del Cambio, Caffè Fiorio, Caffè Platti 1875, and Pasticceria Abrate, which maintain centuries-old traditions by combining artisanal methods with modern innovations.

If you love chocolate and want to relive some of its Piedmontese history, I recommend a visit to the Chocolate and Gianduja Museum. I suggest you pick up a bar of chocolate at Pasticceria Pfatisch, it’s truly excellent!

An event to not be missed

We can’t talk about chocolate in Turin without mentioning Cioccolatò, one of the most anticipated events for lovers of this delight. Every year in November, the city center transforms into a paradise for sweet tooths, with stands, workshops, tastings, and shows all dedicated to chocolate.

During this major event, you can meet master chocolatiers, participate in workshops, and discover the latest trends in the world of chocolate; in short, a unique opportunity to taste even the most innovative creations and to purchase artisanal delights directly from the producers.

Points of interests

Pasticceria Pfatisch

The Chocolate and Gianduja Museum

How to reach the Museum of Chocolate and Gianduja from Cascina 6b

By car: reachable in about 30 minutes. I recommend parking the car in one of the streets near the Museum, such as “Via S. Secondo”.

Public transports: reachable in about 1 hour. Depart from San Maurizio C.se station towards Turin Porta Susa. From there, take the metro to Porta Nuova. In about 10 minutes on foot, you will reach the Museum.

Clothes kit

Casual clothes and comfortable shoes

All I have to do is wish you to

ENJOY YOUR VISIT AND HAVE FUN🙂

Useful links

https://www.choco-story-torino.it/en

Have you ever experienced that overwhelming emotion when you decide to plan a vacation to a new place? That desire to explore and discover characteristics places, but you find yourself asking “What is there to visit?”. That’s where I come in!

Let me introduce myself,

my name is Ally and I will be your virtual guide accompanying you on a journey to discover Turin and its surroundings.

In various articles, I will tell you about must-see places around Cascina 6b. From majestic lakes to towering mountains, from picturesque villages to vibrant cities, from enchanting natural parks to museum rich in history, the Canavese offers a unique experience for every type of traveler.

Whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast or an adventurer seeking new thrills, I will be your reliable companion on this journey to discover our territory.

Continue reading “Exploring with Ally”

The Basilica of Superga is an iconic place in the Turin city, rich in art and history. It’s a recommended spot if you want to admire all Turin from above.

In 1706, during the War of Spanish Succession, the city was besieged by the French troops and King Victor Amadeus II of Savoy, along with Prince Eugene of Savoy, climbed the hill of Superga to observe the enemy positions. On that occasion, the King made a vow to the Madonna delle Grazie (“Lady of Graces”): if he managed to free the city, he would build a church in her honor.

And so it was.

After the victorious battle of Turin, the King commissioned architect Filippo Juvarra, the same one who designed the Galleria Grande and the Church of Saint Ubert at the Royal Residence of Venaria Reale and the Palazzina di Caccia of Stupinigi, to design the Basilica. The construction began in 1717 and was completed in 1731, creating a true masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

The Basilica of Superga, at 672 meters above sea level, dominates the Turin skyline. From the external balcony of the Dome, accessible via a spiral staircase inside the Basilica, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, the valleys and the mountains.

Continue reading “The Basilica of Superga in Turin”

Today I’m taking you to discover a place rich in history, symbol of innovation and Piedmontese tradition.

I’m talking about Ivrea, a city that has managed to blend the charm of the past with the modernity. Known for the famous Carnival with the historic Battle of the Oranges, Ivrea is also renowned for industrial innovation thanks to the Olivetti company, which revolutionized the design and the technology in the 20th century.

Ivrea is divided into two areas: the Ancient City, identifiable by the monuments present in the streets and alleys of the centre that tell about the Roman and Medieval history, and the Industrial City, made up of buildings from the Olivetti era located along the route of the Mam (Open-air Museum of Modern Olivetti Architecture). Both can be visited independently or, as I recommend, through the WELCOME TOUR, a free tour organized by Turismo Torino (“Turin Tourism”), every first Saturday of the month, to promote the territory. The visit is divided into two routes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, exploring the wonders of the ancient city and the modern one.

Continue reading “Ivrea, a UNESCO World Heritage city”

Today I want to talk to you about a magical and misterious place, symbol of Lanzo and its valleys.

I’m talking about the Devil’s Bridge, or original name Ponte del Ròch (“Stone Bridge” in Piedmontese), was built at the end of 1300 as a direct connection between the Lanzo Valleys and Turin, crossing the Stura river without passing by the neighboring villages. The cost for its construction was 1400 florins and a tax on wine was imposed on the population of Lanzo for 10 years.

In 1564 a door was constructed on the bridge (of which, nowadays, only the arch is visible) and was closed during outbreaks of epidemics, such as the plague, to prevent contagion from outsiders. In September of that same year a toll was introduced, called “the bill of the place of origin”, marked with the seal of Lanzo; anyone without it could not cross the bridge.

Continue reading “The Devil’s Bridge in the Lanzo Valleys”

For cinema lovers, for those passionate about its history and for those curious about the world of cinema, you absolutely cannot miss a visit to the National Museum of Cinema of Turin. Set up inside the Mole Antonelliana, emblem of the city, the museum’s content unfolds across a five-floor itinerary that occupies the entire dome

Continue reading “Turin, the city of cinema”

Today I will show you a real jewel located just a few minutes from Cascina 6b; it’s about the Plebeian Church of San Maurizio Canavese in the province of Turin.

Some curiosities

The church dates back to the 11th century and has a Romanesque appearance. The original building was reshaped in the 12th century with the formation of three naves and the preservation of the apse and bell tower. 
Since the beginning of the 1700s, internal changes were made, such as the construction of the side altars and the moving of the main altar.
The central nave preserves a suggestive series of frescoes including a pictorial cycle in 24 episodes, created in 1495 by the Pinerolo painters Bartolomeo and Sebastiano Serra, representing scenes from the life of Christ, from the Annunciation to the Crucifixion and death on the Cross, and a series of prophets portrayed in the underarch of the chapel of the Beata Vergine del Santo Rosario (“Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary”), between the 1400s and 1500s, of very fine workmanship.

Continue reading “An ancient church just a stone’s throw from Turin”

What’s better than spending an entire day outdoors immersed in nature in total relaxation? In my opinion there is nothing more beautiful.

Today I want to take you around the Parco della Mandria in Venaria Reale.

Some curiosities

The Parco della Mandria, adjacent to the Royal Residence of Venaria Reale, was the first regional park established in Italy in 1978, but its history is much older.

This area, today approximately 2.000 hectares, was born in the 16th century as a hunting reserve for the royal family of the Savoy and equipped for the stay of the king and the court. King Vittorio Amedeo II inserted a horse farm for the royal stables from which the name “La Mandria” (the herd) derived. Afterwards, King Vittorio Emanuele II had the Borgo Castello and other buildings built to live there, it seems, with his morganatic wife Rosa Vercellana, also known as the “Bela Rosin”.

Upon the death of Vittorio Emanuele II the estate passed to the “Medici del Vascello” marquises, during which portions of land were sold for the construction of various residences and a golf course. In 1976 it became property of the Piedmont Region, which established the Regional Park of La Mandria.

Continue reading “A day at the Natural Park of La Mandria”