Along the western belt of Turin, there are three municipalities that represent a perfect synthesis of tradition, modernity and industrial development: Orbassano, Beinasco and Grugliasco.
This new leg of our journey through the Italy of AIAs takes us on a discovery of an area that enjoys a dynamic economy and a history of industrial development and innovation, but is also rich in history and fascinating landscapes.
History and Tradition: a journey into the past of Orbassano, Beinasco and Grugliasco
Orbassano ‘s name may come from the motto Orbis Sanus or from Urbicius, a Roman legionnaire who settled in the area.
Originally called Vicus Urbanicum, the name evolved into Orbacianum around the year 1000, then into Orbazan in the 16th and 17th centuries, until it became Orbassano.
The town, of Roman origin, became autonomous in 1789 and went through the historical events of Piedmont, including the Battle of Marsaglia in which many Italians lost their lives against the French troops of Louis XIV.
After World War II, Orbassano transformed from a village to a medium-sized town.
The place name Beinasco, attested since 1153, derives from the Roman gentilizio Batinius with the Ligurian suffix -ascus.
Founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C. to protect Turin, Beinasco maintained a defensive function until the 18th century.
Ruled by the Piossaschi in the Middle Ages and becoming a free commune in the 13th century, the town suffered imperial raids and devastation from the Savoy and French armies in the 17th century.
The plague decimated the population for about 30 years.
In the 18th century, Beinasco was transformed from a defensive place to an agricultural village, with the construction of buildings on the right bank of the Sangone River.
In the 20th century, the brick kiln industry was replaced by the automobile industry.
The origins of the place name Grugliasco are uncertain, but it is believed it may derive from the name of a Roman settler, Currelius, or from the cranes that used to stop there.
The village is documented from 1047, when Emperor Henry III confirmed the rights to the property to the canons of Turin Cathedral.
Developing around ecclesiastical properties, Grugliasco followed the history of Turin, undergoing Savoy subjugation from 1280.
Crucial to the economy was the bealera of Grugliasco, which supported agriculture and the textile industry since the 15th century.
Modern industrialization began in the early 20th century, with diversified settlements and factories such as FIAT.
After World War II, Grugliasco transformed rapidly, attracting large businesses and undergoing a population explosion.
Today it is an industrial and commercial town, with strong ties to the University of Turin, hosting its faculties of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, and projected toward sustainable development.
Attractions and Places to Visit: Orbassano, Beinasco and Grugliasco
In the baroque church of the Confraternity of the Holy Spirit in Orbassano you can admire large canvases, including a Pentecost by Giovanni Andrea Casella from 1647 and a Madonna and Saints by Michele Antonio Milocco from 1754.
Orbassano is also close to the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, one of Piedmont’s architectural masterpieces.
This sumptuous Baroque building, designed by Filippo Juvarra and built beginning in 1729, was intended for the hunting and parties of the Savoy court.
Surrounded by a vast park, the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi is famous for its architectural beauty and richly decorated interiors, representing a must-see destination for those visiting the region.
In Beinasco, the main points of interest are the Medieval Castle, the Tower, and the 18th-century Church of St. James the Apostle.
The pedestrian footbridge over the Sangone connects the historic center with Borgo Melano, where there is the Church of St. Louis, famous for a permanent diorama on the life of Christ, and the municipal sports hall.
Borgaretto, the largest hamlet, is home to the 19th-century church of Sant’Anna and the Società Operaia di Mutuo Soccorso.
Other places of interest include the former church of Santa Croce, now used for events, and the War Memorial. Grugliasco has become an important cultural hub for Contemporary Circus in recent decades, hosting a circus school and the international festival Sul Filo del Circo/Au Fil du Cirque in Le Serre Park, a large urban park that hosts cultural events, exhibitions and recreational activities.
Since 1984, every first Sunday in June, the Palio della Gru has been held, a historical re-enactment in which seven boroughs compete with carts drawn by cranes, the symbol of the city, culminating in a fair in the historic center.
Grugliasco Castle, with its frescoed rooms and surrounding park, is a major historical attraction, while Villa Boriglione, an elegant 18th-century building, is now a venue for exhibitions and cultural events.
Typical cuisine of the area
The cuisine of Orbassano, Beinasco, and Grugliasco reflects the rich gastronomic tradition of Piedmont, characterized by genuine flavors and high-quality ingredients.
Typical dishes include agnolotti, a stuffed pasta often served with meat sauce or butter and sage.
Can’t miss bagna càuda, a hot sauce made with anchovies, garlic and oil, served with fresh vegetables, and bollito misto, a selection of boiled meats accompanied by various sauces and side dishes.
Local cheeses, such as Castelmagno and Toma, are true dairy masterpieces.
Further enriching the culinary scene is braised in Barolo, a meat stew simmered slowly in the famous Piedmontese wine, while among the desserts, bonet, a chocolate and amaretti pudding, and gianduia, a famous hazelnut and chocolate cream, represent the most popular specialties.
At the end of the meal,Amaro San Simone, an herbal digestive typical of the region, completes the gastronomic experience.
In local restaurants and trattorias, you can enjoy these delicacies in a cozy and traditional atmosphere.
Industrial areas: innovation and development between Orbassano-Beinasco and Grugliasco
These municipalities are not only custodians of a rich historical and cultural heritage, but also dynamic and innovative industrial centers.
The Orbassano industrial area is home to several companies operating in the logistics, automotive manufacturing and advanced technology sectors.
The presence of important infrastructure such as the Turin Freight Village makes this municipality a strategic logistics hub.
In Beinasco, the confectionery industry is one of the most developed sectors, but it is also an important hub for food production and plastics processing. Grugliasco, with its historical connection to the automotive industry, hosts factories and research centers of major companies in the sector.
Its proximity to the Polytechnic University of Turin fosters collaboration between industry and research, stimulating innovation and technological development.
Orbassano, Beinasco and Grugliasco companies: from the present to the future with ultrabroadband
La F.lli Anostini Sas specializes in the design, installation, and maintenance of heating, cooling, gas, plumbing, and electrical systems for both civil and industrial applications.
The company holds ISO 9001:2015 and reg. ue 2015/2067 (FGAS) certifications.
The highly qualified and experienced staff ensures the utmost professionalism and expertise in every area, including the installation of renewable energy sources Fotolito FB S.r.l. was founded in the 1970s in Turin as a support to the graphic arts. Today it deals with everything related to set-ups for events and GDO: from packaging, to islands for LGDO, from car wrapping to exhibition set-ups, the company based in the AIA of Orbassano Beinasco makes large prints for any need related to corporate communication Founded in 1973, Monigraf specializes in printing press automation, enhancing innovation and quality.
Their advanced mechanical-electronic technology, including Monigraf Digital Systems (MDS) for color control, is recognized worldwide.
Using high-tech components and cybernetic technology, it ensures high precision and reliability.
In 2008, the company opened a plant in North America to improve customer service and develop new products for the printing industry by investing in young talent.
The production area of Orbassano, Beinasco and Grugliasco continues to evolve, contributing significantly to the regional economy.
Soon, this path will reach another important milestone: the industrial areas of Orbassano-Beinasco and Grugliasco will finally be integrated into the global ultra-wideband network, thanks to the deployment of a modern fiber optic infrastructure built by FibreConnect, in collaboration with ISP partner Multiwire.
Ultra-wideband will foster the development of new technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0, making these industrial areas even more competitive and attractive to national and international investors. Another step forward for our country’s economy toward an increasingly connected and innovative future.