Description of the attraction
Bardonecchia is a small town on the territory of the Italian ski resort Val di Susa, the name of which probably comes from the word "bardi" - this is how the tribe that inhabited these lands was called in ancient times. The town lies on the westernmost tip of Italy, on the border with France, in the center of four large valleys - Rho, Stretta, Freyus and Etiake. Around the mountain ranges rise to the sky, reaching a height of 3 thousand meters. Due to its geographical location, Bardonecchia has gained recognition as a ski resort - it has an excellent infrastructure, a variety of tracks and modern lifts.
Not far from Bardonecchia is the artificial lake Roquemolles, into which numerous streams and streams flow, including the Dora Riparia tributary that flows near the city. The relatively mild climate and landscape features made Bardonecchia a popular tourist destination back in the 19th century, when aristocratic villas and luxury hotels were built here, surrounded by gardens and parks.
According to historians, in ancient times a lake could have been located on the site of the modern city, which was drained by the Saracens in the 10th century. In general, this territory was once inhabited by Celtic tribes, and in later documents it is referred to as the possession of the Abbey of Novaleza. After the expulsion of the Saracens at the end of the first millennium, Bardonecchia became the property of Turin and became a bone of contention between the Counts of Savoy and Albona - the latter won a victory in the 12th century and became full-fledged masters of the territory. In the 14th century, the city became the property of France, then the Counts of Savoy took possession of it, and at the end of the 18th century again the French, who abandoned their claims to these lands only after the fall of Napoleon.
Today Bardonecchia is a quiet tourist town, attracting with its historical and architectural monuments. First of all, the parish church of Sant Ippolito deserves attention - from the original structure to this day, only the Renaissance stone tower with lancet windows, dating from the 13th century, has survived. The current building, erected in the first half of the 19th century, was built on the site of the old church of Santa Maria ad Lacum. It is notable for its elegant facade with columns and pediment. Inside you can see fine artwork, paintings, 15th-19th century woodcarvings and a 16th-century baptismal font. Other religious buildings worth visiting are the Church of Sant Antonio Abate with frescoes from the 16th century, the Church of Roquemolles with the ancient pulpit, a bowl of holy water and a cross, the Chapel of San Sisto from the 15th century, the Chapel of Notre Dame de Coyne decorated with exquisite frescoes and the chapel of St. Andrew the First-Called. In addition, in Bardonecchia there is an interesting City Museum, the ancient fortress Bramafam, also turned into a museum, and the Palazzo delle Feste, built in the early 19th century in the Liberty style.
