CANDIA.

Candia, with its hundred terracotta rooftops is nestled on the slopes of Monte Santo Stefano, the last outcrop of hills which form the glacial amphitheatre of Ivrea. This high-rising hill of the lower Canavese towers above its surroundings, offering majestic views towards the Padania Plains and the hills of Monferrato to Superga and Maddalena over Turin and then beyond to The Southern Alps of Monviso. To the North, the green Canavese valleys which rise to the Mombarone Alps and Gran Paradiso National Park. Finally, The lovely view of the famous Serra Hilltop, flattened by antique glaciers resembles a view of the sea.

PALAZZO COMUNALE (City Hall)
Antique documents from the 15th Century testify to gatherings of Candia citizens in the church of San Michele. From the 17th Century on, the community members of Candia were entitled to a City Hall now incorporated within the actual structure. The current entrance was part of the modest 18th century structure.
Once inside the doorway, a double symmetric ramp of steep stairs led to the upper level.

PIEVE DI SAN MICHELE ARCANGELO
To the side of the central nave a circular hand -carved stone was found which is believed to be the bottom of a baptismal font from the 6th century. It was cut flush to the actual floor tiles.
Some of the original font-stones were probably those that still can be found as corner stones of the town’s 6th century buildings. As one can see, historically significant remains can be found throughout the town of Candia.

THE CHURCH OF SANTO STEFANO
The church of santo Stefano was part of the flourishing 11th Century.This splendid church expresses the demographic and economic rebirth during this period. Besides the Duomo of Ivrea and the San Benigno Abbey, this church is certainly the largest of the glacial amphitheatre of Ivrea.
It is a triple apsidal design as can also be found in the San Giacomo Delle Besse at San Secondo, Magnano and San Michele, Clivolo church structures.

MADONNA DELLA NEVE
A Franco-Flemish sculture (Jean de Prindalle?), 1410 – 1420.
Madonna and Child from the Santo Stefano al Monte church.
Painted White marble or alabaster (cm.66×23x20’5).
The sculture was mentioned in the Pope’s visit to Santo Stefano during the 16th Century and was most likely commissioned for one of Candia’s churches.

TORRE DI CASTIGLIONE
The tower is what remains of the original castle that dominated the village of Castiglione. It now belongs to the Pachiè family and has been restored during the 70’s. The ancient tower’s stone foundation and brick extension dominates the hillside over Candia and its lake and bears the official town’s seal of candia

CANDIA LAKE has yet to be discovered by mass tourism and therefore is a great place to enjoy the peace and comfort.
Along with Ivrea’s Viverone lake, it is a typical example of a natural glacial reservoir left over from the ancient glaciers which carved out this stupendous natural
Morenic Amphitheatre.

This particularly mild weathered area-also during the winter-has recently become a PROVICIAL NATURAL PARK. The area is ideal for Wildlife and especially bird watching thanks to the rich, untouched environment. The lake area is perfect for row-boat trips or bicycle tours down forest paths and trails.