BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//WordPress - MECv7.29.0//EN
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.fairsandfestivals.eu/
X-WR-CALNAME:Fairs & Festivals
X-WR-CALDESC:Fairs, Festivals and Markets across Europe
X-WR-TIMEZONE:Europe/Madrid
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/Madrid
X-LIC-LOCATION:Europe/Madrid
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0200
TZNAME:CEST
DTSTART:20260329T030000
RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYMONTH=03;BYDAY=-1SU
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0200
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:CET
DTSTART:20261025T020000
RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYMONTH=10;BYDAY=4SU
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
X-MS-OLK-FORCEINSPECTOROPEN:TRUE
BEGIN:VEVENT
CLASS:PUBLIC
UID:MEC-b2dd140336c9df867c087a29b2e66034@fairsandfestivals.eu
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20250705T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Madrid:20250708T000000
DTSTAMP:20250403T134709Z
RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY
CREATED:20250403
LAST-MODIFIED:20250403
PRIORITY:5
SEQUENCE:10
TRANSP:OPAQUE
SUMMARY:Festa di San Savino
DESCRIPTION:\nEach summer, as the hazy heat of July settles over the narrow streets and ochre-toned façades of Ivrea, a gentle rhythm begins to pulse through the town. It is not the thunderous clash of the famous Battle of the Oranges in February or the quiet hum of the Dora Baltea river that snakes through the historic centre. It is something older, softer, and deeply rooted in the soul of this northern Italian town—the Festa di San Savino.\n\n\n\nIvrea, nestled at the edge of Piedmont’s wine country and the foothills of the Alps, has long honoured Saint Savino, a Roman soldier turned Christian martyr. Unlike the carnival chaos that defines its better-known festivities, the celebration of its patron saint is a more intimate affair, imbued with reverence and local pride. Held on 7th July, the Festa di San Savino is a living tapestry of medieval devotion, equestrian tradition, and small-town camaraderie.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe festival dates back centuries, and Saint Savino is venerated for his courage and spiritual conviction. Though little is definitively known about his life, local legend paints him as a symbol of unwavering faith—a soldier who chose martyrdom over apostasy. His figure became emblematic of Ivrea’s identity, and over time, the annual celebration evolved from solemn religious observance into a spirited cultural rite.\n\n\n\n\nAt the heart of the festa is the fiera cavallina — the horse fair. The town’s main squares transformed into open-air arenas in the early hours. Stalls burst into life with the scent of hay and leather, and horses, groomed to gleaming perfection, are paraded and admired. The centuries-old connection between Ivrea and the equestrian world comes vividly alive here. For many locals, these horses are more than beasts of burden — they are companions, symbols of elegance and strength, passed down through generations.\n\n\n\nThroughout the day, traditional equestrian demonstrations take place, often accompanied by pageantry that recalls the medieval origins of the event. Riders in historic costume perform intricate manoeuvres, their movements echoing rituals once performed in homage to the saint. The procession of San Savino, in which a statue of the saint is carried solemnly through the streets, provides a moment of pause — a stillness amidst the vibrant swirl of celebration. Locals line the cobbled lanes with candles and flowers, their faces lit by flickering light and quiet devotion.\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Festa di San Savino genuinely distinctive is its balance of the sacred and the communal. It is a festival of faith but also of friendship and continuity. Families gather in town squares to share food and stories, musicians drift through the crowds with folk melodies, and children, wide-eyed, weave between the legs of horses with gelato-streaked faces. For Ivrea, the Festa is not about spectacle but about belonging.\n\n\n\nVisiting Ivrea during the Festa di San Savino offers a rare window into the rhythms of small-town Italy — a place where tradition is neither dusty nor performative, but palpably alive. The festival does not demand attention; it invites presence. To stand in the late afternoon sun as the church bells toll and the procession passes is to feel momentarily folded into something much older than oneself.\n\n\n\nIn an era where many local festivals have been hollowed out by tourism, the Festa di San Savino remains a celebration shaped by and for its people. And yet, for those who come with open eyes and a quiet heart, it offers a timeless reminder: that devotion, in all its forms, still has a place in the modern world — not just in cathedrals or museums, but in the small rituals of a horse fair, a candlelit procession, and the enduring story of a soldier-saint remembered in the streets of Ivrea.\n\n\n\nHow to get to the Festa di San Savino\n\n\n\nBy Air\n\n\n\nThe nearest major airport to Ivrea is Turin-Caselle Airport (Aeroporto di T ( https://www.aeroportoditorino.it/it )orino, TRN ( https://www.aeroportoditorino.it/it )), about 50 kilometres southwest. From the airport, you can reach Ivrea by rental car in just under an hour, or by public transport using a combination of train and bus via Turin city centre. Alternatively, Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is around 90 minutes away by car and offers more international flight connections.\n\n\n\nBy Train\n\n\n\nIvrea is well-connected by train, making rail travel one of the most convenient options. Trenitalia regional services run frequently from Turin (Torino Porta Susa or Porta Nuova) to Ivrea, with journeys taking approximately one hour. Direct trains from Aosta and other towns along the Dora Baltea valley also exist. If arriving from Milan, you’ll typically change trains in Chivasso or Turin.\n\n\n\nThe town’s station, Ivrea Railway Station, is centrally located and within walking distance of most Festa di San Savino events.\n\n\n\nBy Car\n\n\n\nDriving to Ivrea offers scenic views of the Piedmont countryside and maximum flexibility, especially for those exploring nearby villages or the Canavese wine region. From Turin, take the A5 motorway (Autostrada Torino-Aosta) and exit at Ivrea. The drive is straightforward and takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.\n\n\n\nParking during the festival can be limited in the historic centre, so visitors are advised to park in the designated festival lots or on the outskirts and walk into town.\n\n\n\nBy Bus\n\n\n\nWhile not as fast as the train, buses connect Ivrea with Turin and surrounding towns. GTT (Gruppo Torinese Trasporti) and other regional operators provide regular services, though schedules may be reduced on weekends and public holidays. During the Festa di San Savino, extra buses may be added for residents and visitors — it’s worth checking the local municipality or tourism office website closer to the event.\n\n\n\nWhere to stay for the Festa di San Savino\n\n\n\nFinding the right place to stay during the Festa di San Savino can transform your visit from memorable to magical. Whether you’re seeking historic charm, rustic serenity, or a touch of contemporary comfort, Ivrea and its surroundings offer a variety of stays that reflect the region’s character and provide convenient access to the heart of the festivities.\n\n\n\nAlbergo La Serra\n\n\n\nTucked into a peaceful hillside just outside the town centre, Albergo La Serra is a long-standing favourite for those seeking a quiet retreat with easy access to Ivrea. Its architecture nods to the rationalist style of Ivrea’s industrial past, but the interiors are warm and welcoming. Many rooms overlook the greenery of the Serra Morenica ridge, and the hotel offers on-site parking, a solid breakfast, and a short stroll down into the historic core of town.\n\n\n\nDora Maison de Charme\n\n\n\nSet in a restored townhouse in the centre of Ivrea, Dora Maison de Charme blends boutique elegance with a sense of intimacy. This guesthouse is ideal for travellers who appreciate design details—exposed beams, soft linens, and contemporary touches. Its location, just steps from the main squares and festival processions, makes it an ideal base for soaking up the atmosphere without sacrificing tranquility. The hosts are known for their local knowledge and warm hospitality.\n\n\n\nSpazio Bianco\n\n\n\nWith minimalist interiors and a focus on sustainable living, Spazio Bianco offers a fresh take on accommodation in Ivrea. Each room is individually styled, with artwork and creative flourishes inspired by the local landscape. The boutique B&B is located right on the edge of the old town, making it a convenient yet restful base during the hustle and bustle of the Festa di San Savino. The breakfast here is particularly praised, featuring artisanal breads, organic jams, and seasonal fruit.\n\n\n\nB&B Cascina Moncrava\n\n\n\nFor those wanting a more rural, agriturismo-style experience, Cascina Moncrava offers rustic charm just a few minutes’ drive from central Ivrea. This restored farmhouse is surrounded by fields and woodland, with a kitchen garden, quiet paths, and a few resident animals. Rooms are simple but thoughtfully furnished, and the hosts often serve homemade cakes and preserves in the morning. It’s an excellent option for travellers with a car who want to balance festival energy with countryside calm.\n\n\n\nHotel Crystal Palace\n\n\n\nIf you prefer modern amenities and the reliability of a four-star stay, Hotel Crystal Palace, just south of the town, offers sleek comfort with a touch of business-class formality. Rooms are spacious and well-equipped, and the in-house restaurant, Antica Reggia, offers a refined take on regional cuisine. While it lacks the historic charm of central Ivrea properties, it’s a practical choice for those arriving by car and provides easy access to the A5 motorway for day trips.\n\n\n\nRelais Castello San Giuseppe\n\n\n\nLocated about 20 minutes from Ivrea in Chiaverano, Relais Castello San Giuseppe is the place to stay if you want to wrap your Festa experience in romantic grandeur. Housed in a former monastery-turned-castle, this luxury retreat offers panoramic views, frescoed halls, and lush gardens. The on-site spa and pool are welcome refuges after a day among the festival crowds, and the property makes for a scenic, storybook setting for those looking to elevate their trip with a touch of opulence.\n\n\n\nNo matter where you choose to stay, be sure to book early. The Festa di San Savino may be a local celebration, but its deep roots and equestrian allure draw visitors and returning Ivreean families from near and far. The right accommodation will ground your experience and enhance your connection to this uniquely Piedmontese tradition.\n\n\n\nExplore the surroundings of Ivrea\n\n\n\nWhile Ivrea offers a compelling blend of tradition and festivity during the Festa di San Savino, the surrounding region is equally rich in cultural, natural, and culinary treasures. Here are several rewarding day trips, each within easy reach of the town and ideal for diversifying your stay.\n\n\n\nCastello di Masino\n\n\n\nJust 15 kilometres south of Ivrea lies the Castello di Masino, a majestic hilltop castle once home to the noble Valperga family. Now managed by the Italian heritage foundation FAI, the estate offers sweeping views over the Canavese plain, lavishly decorated interiors, and one of Italy’s largest historic labyrinth gardens. The castle often hosts seasonal events, wine tastings, and open-air concerts. It’s an incredibly poetic retreat after a morning immersed in Ivrea’s festivities.\n\n\n\nLake Viverone\n\n\n\nA half-hour drive southeast brings you to Lake Viverone, a peaceful glacial lake framed by gentle hills and vineyards. Less touristy than Italy’s larger lakes, it’s ideal for swimming, paddle-boarding, or simply lounging by the water with a gelato in hand. Stroll the lakeside promenade, rent a bike, or stop at a rustic trattoria for fresh perch and a glass of Erbaluce di Caluso — the local white wine.\n\n\n\nAosta and the Roman Heritage\n\n\n\nCross into the Aosta Valley for a day steeped in Alpine grandeur and ancient history. Aosta, about an hour from Ivrea by train or car, was once a Roman stronghold known as Augusta Praetoria. Today, its remarkably preserved ruins — including a Roman theatre, city gates, and a triumphal arch — sit comfortably beside medieval churches and bustling piazzas. Framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Alps, Aosta also makes a perfect gateway for hikers and mountain lovers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSacra di San Michele\n\n\n\nPerched dramatically on Mount Pirchiriano above the Susa Valley, the Sacra di San Michele is one of Piedmont’s most iconic landmarks. This medieval abbey, believed to have inspired Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose, is roughly an hour’s drive from Ivrea and rewards visitors with haunting architecture and a sense of spiritual majesty. The climb to the top, via a stone path through the woods, adds to the pilgrimage feeling.\n\n\n\nBiella and the Oropa Sanctuary\n\n\n\nTo the east of Ivrea lies the textile town of Biella, known for its wool craftsmanship and elegant 19th-century boulevards. But the true gem is located just beyond: the Santuario di Oropa, a UNESCO-listed Marian sanctuary nestled in a mountain basin. Founded in the 4th century and later expanded into a Baroque complex, it’s one of northern Italy’s most significant pilgrimage places. The alpine setting is serene, with walking trails and panoramic cable car rides available for those craving a breath of mountain air.\n\n\n\nThe Erbaluce Wine Route\n\n\n\nIf you’re a wine enthusiast, a self-guided journey through the Erbaluce wine region offers a gentle blend of culture and indulgence. Vineyards sprawl across the sun-drenched hills around Caluso, just south of Ivrea. Many wineries open their doors to visitors for tastings of crisp, floral whites and the rare passito (sweet wine) made from the native Erbaluce grape. Pair it with local cheeses and cured meats for an idyllic midday escape.\n\n\n\nEach destination complements the rhythm of the Festa di San Savino, offering quiet reflection, rich history, or a taste of Piedmontese life beyond the festival’s borders. Whether you seek cool mountain breezes, lakeside leisure, or Roman echoes, Ivrea places you at the very heart of it all.\n\n\n\n\n
URL:https://www.fairsandfestivals.eu/events/festa-di-san-savino/
CATEGORIES:Equestrian,Fairs and Festivals in Italy,Fairs in Italy,Festivals in Italy,Traditional Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.fairsandfestivals.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/san-savino.webp
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR