Ivrea​

​By Dion Protani
Latest update: 4 August 2023
​The historic town of Ivrea is situated within the Metropolitan City of Turin province and has a population of around 24,000 residents.

Standing at an elevation of 253 metres above sea level, it's located a distance of 54 kilometres north of Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont. Places of interest nearby include Biella, Ricetto di Candelo and the Sacro Monte di Oropa.
In 2018 Ivrea was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage list, noted for its town planning, and in particular the relationship between manufacturing and architecture. 
Related links
Ivrea in Piedmont is a remarkable cultural landscape located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. This site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018 due to its exceptional industrial and architectural heritage.

It represents a significant example of 20th-century urban and architectural planning, reflecting the influence of Olivetti, a pioneering Italian company that shaped the development of the area.

History: The history of Ivrea dates back to Roman times when it was a significant Roman settlement. However, its modern industrial history is closely tied to the Olivetti company, which was founded in Ivrea in the early 20th century.

Olivetti was a leading manufacturer of typewriters, calculating machines, and other office equipment. The company's innovative approach to urban planning and architecture led to the creation of a unique industrial city that emphasized the well-being of its workers and the integration of architecture and nature.

Tourist Information: Ivrea and its UNESCO World Heritage Site offer a fascinating blend of industrial history, architecture, and natural beauty for tourists to explore:

  • Industrial Heritage: The Olivetti buildings and industrial complexes are the main highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These structures showcase innovative architectural design and urban planning principles from the 20th century.
  • Olivetti Showroom: The former Olivetti Showroom in Ivrea, designed by renowned architect Carlo Scarpa, is a masterpiece of modern architecture and a must-visit site for design enthusiasts.
  • Ivrea's Historic Center: The town of Ivrea itself features a charming historic center with picturesque squares, medieval buildings, and vibrant cafes.
  • Ivrea Castle: The Castle of Ivrea, dating back to the 13th century, is an imposing medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscape.
  • Canoeing on Lake Sirio: The nearby Lake Sirio provides opportunities for recreational activities such as canoeing and boating.
  • Carnival of Ivrea: Ivrea is famous for its unique Carnival, which includes the "Battle of the Oranges," a historic reenactment involving throwing oranges in the streets.
  • Winery Visits: The Piedmont region is renowned for its wine production, and visitors can explore local wineries and taste the region's excellent wines.
  • Accessibility: Ivrea is easily accessible by car and train from major cities in the Piedmont region and beyond.
Province: Metropolitan City of Turin

Region: Piedmont

Population: 23,647

​Elevation: 253 metres

​Close by: Biella, Ricetto di Candelo, Sacro Monte di Oropa

Recommended stay: La Villa Sure Hotel by Best Western
​UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ivrea, industrial city of the 20th century

​Year: 2018

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the three thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy, particularly important at the moment at the time of the pandemic, via my Italy Review Blog for which you'll find links below to the Facebook and Twitter pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.