Tornetti, an ancient residential settlement in the Lanzo Valleys, is dominated by the Rocca Sapai, an imposing rock face over 100 metres high, now a popular destination for climbers. The sunny basin is ideal for hiking and ski touring, set among meadows, Alpine pastures, and local traditions.
Site overview
Tornetti is a small hamlet located in the town of Viù, within the valley that shares its name. It is part of the three Lanzo Valleys in the Metropolitan City of Turin.
The hamlet is first mentioned in a will dated 27 February 1383, when Amadeus VI of Savoy, known as the Green Count, granted the local inhabitants permission to graze their livestock freely on land belonging to his house. An ancient residential settlement, it was home to the “benal”, distinctive stone-and-rye-straw barns typical of the area.
In the heart of the amphitheatre, amidst meadows and Alpine pastures, the Rocca Sapai (1,364 m) stands completely isolated from the surrounding mountains. This prominent rock outcrop, over 100 metres tall, is easily visible from across the entire Tornetti basin.
This striking outcrop features several climbing routes on its lower face and is topped by a votive pillar.
The Rocca Sapai was painted by Piedmontese artist Francesco Gonin in 1850. He was so captivated by it that he immortalised it in a painting now permanently displayed at the renowned GAM (Gallery of Modern Art) in Turin.
The Tornetti basin, with its gentle slopes, excellent sunny aspect, and variety of routes, is particularly well suited to winter ski touring.
How to visit the site
Heading up the SP32, reach the centre of Viù. At the Colonia Climatica Madre Enrichetta Dominici building, continue straight along the road, following signs for Polpresa. Follow the road signed for the hamlet of Tornetti. To reach Roc Sapai: by road, follow the route via Viù, Polpresa, and Cramoletti to the layby on the left before the bridge over the Viana torrent, where the track to the Sapai Alpine pastures begins. For the approach: follow the track, and in 20 minutes you reach the base of the enormous and distinctive isolated boulder.
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