Avigliana

Avigliana (Piedmontese: Vijan-a ; French : Veillane) is a town and comune (municipality) in the Metropolitan City of Turin in the Piedmont region or Italy, with 12,480 inhabitants as of January 1, 2017. It lies about 25 kilometres (16 mi) west of Turin in the Susa valley, on the highway going from Turin to Frejus, France.

Avigliana
Comune
Città di Avigliana
Coat of arms
Location of Avigliana
Avigliana
Location of Avigliana in Italy
Avigliana
Avigliana (Piedmont)
Coordinates: 45°5′N 7°24′E
CountryItaly
RegionPiedmont
Metropolitan cityTurin (TO)
FrazioniDrubiaglio, Milanere, Mortera, Bertassi
Government
 • MayorAndrea Archinà
Area
 • Total23.22 km2 (8.97 sq mi)
Elevation
383 m (1,257 ft)
Population
 (1-1-2017)[2]
 • Total12,480
 • Density540/km2 (1,400/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Aviglianese(i)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
10051
Dialing code011
Patron saintSt. John the Baptist
Saint dayJune 24
WebsiteOfficial website

It is best known for two maar lakes, Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo. Also nearby is the massive Sacra di San Michele.

History

In 574 the Lombard King Cleph built a castle here. According to some sources, the battle between the Franks of Pippin the Younger and the Lombards of Aistulf occurred in the nearby in 750. Later Avigliana depended from the Abbey of Novalesa, and subsequently it was a possession of the House of Savoy.

Avigliana was captured by Emperor Henry VI in 1187, but later it was acquired by Thomas I of Savoy. In 1536, in the course of the Italian Wars, it was again stormed by French troops. French attacks repeated in 1630 and 1690, the latter with the destruction of the castle.

Main sights
  • Ruins of the castle, destroyed in the seventeenth century by the French.
  • Church of San Giovanni, with several works by Defendente Ferrari.
  • The Romanesque church of San Pietro.
  • Natural Park of the Lakes of Avigliana.

Transportation

Avigliana has two gates on the A32 Bardonecchia-Turin motorway. It has also a station on the Turin-Modane railroad.

Twin towns

References
  1. "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Istat. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  2. All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.


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