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The Region
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In medieval times the "Franchi" went through the valley – the main route to Gaul; thus many abbeys were constructed on the Via Francigena which rises to Moncenisio. The first one, founded just outside Turin at Rivoli, is Sant’Antonio di Ranverso. The preceptory and adjacent hospital were founded in 1186 by Umberto III and then entrusted to the Antoniani di Vienne priests. These structures were built for protection as well as to provide food and lodging for travellers. Other castles in the valley were aimed at defending the peninsula from invaders – of whom there have been many, from Carlo Magno onwards. The most striking one is undoubtedly the Forte di Exiles: an extraordinary example of military architecture.
Food is important here – you’ll find many of the best products of Piemontese traditional mountain cuisine, many of which have been given the mark of quality: salami, cheese (Murianengo, Toma del Piemonte, Raschera, Reblochon del Moncenisio), mushrooms, apples, the potatoes of Cesana, wine (Cimont), liqueurs made with herbs (Genepy, from the mountains of Cesana). Furthermore, you cannot leave without sampling the delicious chocolate, like the famous Gianduiotto!
Food is important here – you’ll find many of the best products of Piemontese traditional mountain cuisine, many of which have been given the mark of quality: salami, cheese (Murianengo, Toma del Piemonte, Raschera, Reblochon del Moncenisio), mushrooms, apples, the potatoes of Cesana, wine (Cimont), liqueurs made with herbs (Genepy, from the mountains of Cesana). Furthermore, you cannot leave without sampling the delicious chocolate, like the famous Gianduiotto!