In the heart of Alto Canavese, the Church of San Giorgio of Valperga preserves a precious fragment of medieval art and spirituality. Built around the 11th century besides the castle of the Counts of Valperga, it was originally both the noble family’s private chapel and the parish church for the nearby village. The first documentary evidence dates to 1150.
Outside, the imposing Romanesque bell tower built in stone; decorated with single and double lancet windows and sculpted marble details, welcomes visitors with grandeur. The church architecture shows both Romanesque and Gothic elements, the result of extensions and renovations between the 15th and 17th centuries: lateral naves, the sacristy and terracotta decorations around the window were added, while the current façade dates from the 18th century.
The true treasure of the site lies in the cycle of frescoes, commissioned in the 15th century from masters such as Pietro de Scotis and the so-called Maestro di Borgiallo (Master of Borgiallo), blending Franco-Flemish, Lombard and Provençal influences. Among the painted scenes are the Passione di Cristo (Passion of Christ), dated 1462, episodes of the life of Jesus, the Madonna enthroned with saints and donors, and the miracles of San Michele. Some external frescoes, including the Adorazione dei Magi, were later enclosed within the new sacristy.
During the 17th century plague, the church was converted into a lazzaretto, and the paintings were covered with lime for sanitary reasons; a gesture that, unintentionally helped preserve them. Rediscovered in 1930, the frescoes were first restored between 1937 and 1939, and again between 2000 and 2007, thanks to the efforts of the Associazione “Amici de San Giorgio” (“Friends of San Giorgio Association”). Today, the church also serves as a cultural centre; volunteers organize guided tours, classical music concerts and activities that promote the site’s value, keeping the spirit of this timeless place.