|
|
|
Introd
|
Introd: the sky within reach
There must be something special in that spot as every summer the
Pope decides to come here for resting. Is it due to the cheering
forest? Or to the gorgeous meadows much appreciated by free riders
too? Is it maybe thanks to the marvellous nature? Do come here and
discover it by yourselves.
Be amazed by the castle overlooking the
village, be thrilled by the bridge reaching 80 meters over the
stream, spend some time observing the craftsmen doing their
handwork. Do you smell the perfume in the air? Not to be surprised
as you are nearby the National Park Gran Paradiso: here Nature feels
like home.
Introd: here Nature feels like home
Inhabited since the Neolithic era, Introd looks a bit like an
amphitheatre, due to its geomorphologic characteristics.
|
The village
lies at the entrance of the Gran Paradiso Valleys, downwards it
borders the river Dora Baltea and upwards the alpine peaks. It’s
also delimited by the streams Dora of Rhêmes and Savara which gave
the name to the village: in French Entre Eaux (between waters).
It’s
a great place to spend some relaxing days. Even the Pope John Paul
II used to come here to gain new strength. In winter, let’s go to
Les Combes for a walk with snow shoes or for cross-country skiing;
from there the view of the Mont Blanc is breathtaking. While you are
in Les Combes visit the museum dedicated to Pope John Paul II and to
his vacations in the valley.
In summer, take your mountain bike on
an easy track or reach the halting place Arpilles (1800 meters a.s.l.).
Discover the typical art and craft visiting some local wood
craftsmen. In the hamlet Villes-Dessus, go with your children to the
newly open animal park. See the nearby house Maison Bruil, a great
example of rural architecture in the Gran Paradiso area. Actually
the building is an exhibition site.
There is more to be amazed at in Introd. Right in the center of the village is the castle, built in
1260 by Pierre Sarriod, Lord of Introd. Being private, the castle
can not be seen inside, but you can admire its external structure
made of the original squared turret surrounded by a few polygonal
constructions.
Nearby the castle are the 15th century wood and stone
granary and the farmhouse named L’Ola, typical examples of
traditional rural architecture. Admire the Parish Church dedicated
to the Conversione di San Paolo, its baroque altar, the sacred art
museum and the bell tower of 26 meters that is today an historical
monument.
The chapel of the Holy Shroud of the 5th century, besides
the farmhouse, hosts in summer several expositions. In August, take
part to the Fiha di pan nir, the traditional baking of brown bread
in the communal wood oven of Norat.
NEWS: INTROD BRIDGE
This bridge was built during the First World War over a chasm more
than 80 meters deep. It is a true architectural masterpiece.
Building work began on Monday 5th July 1915 and finished one year
later.
A great number of workers from Introd and the surrounding
villages were employed to build the wooden scaffolding and carry out
the stonework. This enormous structure measuring 4 meters wide and
34 meters long was built using whole tree trunks.
|
Monuments |
| |
Castle of Introd |
| |
Loc.
Capoluogo |
| |
The castle of
Introd rises on a promontory, protected by the gorge in
which flow the stream Savara and the Dora of Rhêmes. The
name of Introd, in fact, means “entre eaux”, between waters.
The structure is formed by a body of residences situated
into the wall, around the courtyard. The main body rises in
the middle of the courtyard. The castle was probably built
in 1260, but the tower is older, because it is quoted in a
document of the year 1244. In the 19th century, a part of
the structure, the archives and the furniture burnt in two
different fires. The castle was rebuilt in 1910, but the
restoration changed the original aspect. |
| |
Chapel of Introd |
| |
Loc.
Capoluogo |
| |
The chapel of
Introd is situated nearby the regional road for the valleys
of Rhêmes and Valsavarenche and is dedicated to the Holy
Shroud and to Saint Erasmo. Now, it is deconsecrated and is
the seat of concerts and exhibitions. Quarter, have been
found ancient tombs that testify pre-roman settlements.
Outside, it is possible to see a wooden cross with a shroud
and the Christ’s face.
|
| |
Dairy farm L´Ola |
| |
Loc.
Capoluogo |
| |
Nearby the
castle, you will find the ancient dairy farm L’Ola (15th –
16th centuries). In the past, the main body was used like
stable and loft. In the other part of the construction,
there were the residence of the lords and some big rooms in
which were conserved the products of the farm. Later, an
arcade with five big columns and covered by a jutting roof
was added. |
| |
Granary |
| |
Loc.
Capoluogo |
| |
This granary
of the 15th century in stone and wood is situated nearby the
castle and rises on the foundations of an older building.
Very particular is the gothic lock (which represents an
embattled medieval castle) of the main door. The two rooms
in the basement have openings that today are completely
buried. The tradition says that here, in the night, someone
stole the corn and the wheat. |
| |
Introd Bridge |
| |
|
| |
This bridge
was built during the First World War over a chasm more than
80 m deep. It is a true architectural masterpiece.
Building work began on Monday 5th July 1915 and finished one
year later. A great number of workers from Introd and the
surrounding villages were employed to build the wooden
scaffolding and carry out the stonework.
This enormous structure measuring 4 m wide and 34 m long was
built using whole tree trunks. The stones, transported on
large wagons, came from the site named Banquette near the
village of Norat.
|
| |
Parish church |
| |
Loc.
Capoluogo |
| |
The existence
of a parish church in the village is first recorded in a
Bull, dated 1176, of the Pope Alessandro III. All that
remains of this church is probably the bell tower which,
although rebuilt during the centuries, still preserves
traces of its construction during the Romanesque era.
In 1904 the church assumed its present appearance. The
congregation contributed directly to the works by offering
voluntary labour. The high altar contains a painting of the
conversion of Saint Paul attributed to the artist Giacomo
Gnifeta (1695). Particularly noteworthy is the gilded
tabernacle, shaped like a temple with two overlying rows of
miniature columns alternating with niches housing small
statues of saints. The statues of Saint Paul (on the left of
the altar) and Saint Peter (on the right) complete the
decoration. Inside the church it is possible to see an
ancient bench of the Sarriod d‘Introd Family. In the parish
museum are conserved liturgical objects of the 15th – 16th
centuries.
Courtesy of the
AIAT Gran Paradis; more... >>> |
(c) 1997-2008 E. Massetti
TangoItalia - Food Wine Travel in Italy - Home
|
