Ivrea

Ivrea is a town about 50 km (31 miles) north of Turin in the Canavese area of Piedmont, Italy, on the Dora Baltea river at the entrance to the Aosta Valley. It is known for two things: the Olivetti industrial city, inscribed by UNESCO in 2018 as a 20th-century example of an industrial community, and the Historic Carnival with its Battle of the Oranges. A medieval castle with four towers, built in the 14th century, overlooks the old town, and the Canavese lakes lie nearby.

The journey is simple. A Trenitalia regional train (SFM2) from Torino Porta Susa takes about 45-60 minutes, with a fare around EUR 4-5 (~$4.60-5.75) one way. Driving on the A5 motorway takes about 40 minutes. Coaches from Turin also run, and timetables should be checked with the operator.

A suggested one-day arc begins with the Olivetti buildings in the morning. Visitors can follow the signed route along Via Jervis, seeing the Olivetti factory complex, the workers' housing and the former offices, and visit the MaAM museum, which is dedicated to the open-air architecture. Lunch can be taken in the old town, where Piedmontese dishes and local wines such as Erbaluce di Caluso are served. The afternoon suits the cathedral, the Roman amphitheatre remains, a walk along the river to the Ponte Vecchio and, in warmer months, a short trip to Lake Sirio or Lake Viverone for swimming and picnics.

The best period for the Carnival is February, when the Battle of the Oranges takes place over several days; it is exciting but crowded, and visitors who do not wish to take part should wear protective gear or watch from designated areas. From May to September, the lakes are pleasant. Spring and autumn are good for architecture walks. Visitors should check opening times of the Olivetti sites and the castle at turismotorino.org, as some are only open at set times or by guided visit.