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Via Roma, 4, 10050 Venaus
Venaus rises at the entrance of the Cenischia Valley along the main road axis that led to Moncenisio, and its history followed the fortunes of many other towns in the Susa Valley, especially due to the presence of the Abbey of Novalesa: from the passage of papal courts, including Innocent IV, armies and rulers, such as Frederick Barbarossa and finally the counts of Moriana or the House of Savoy. In 1983, the town suffered a serious fire that destroyed much of the town center, leaving the parish church of St. Biagio and Agata (1904) unscathed. The style is neo-Romanesque-Gothic, while remnants of the previous Romanesque church include the bell tower, a wall incorporated between the left nave and the central nave with frescoes from the 16th century, the altar of the Blessed Sacrament, and the sculptural group of the Calvary by the carver Jean Clappier from Bessan (15th century).
The location in a flat area favored intensive agricultural development, as evidenced by the presence of many hamlets that instead climb up the right orographic side of the Cenischia stream: Braida, S.Rocco, Bar Cenisio, Molaretto, Molino, and Parore. Some hamlets also became military positions with a control function right at the entrance of the Cenischia Valley. The construction of the Napoleonic road, which goes from Susa towards Giaglione, isolated Venaus, like Novalesa, from major commercial traffic.
As in Giaglione and San Giorio, in Venaus the tradition of the Swordsmen is still alive, who for centuries have passed down ancient and mysterious rites linked to the fertility of the land through the Sword Dance: they are accompanied by the Music Band and by the prior in traditional attire during the patronal feast in February.
The hamlets come to life during the Christmas period thanks to the creativity and whimsy of the Venaus community with the setting up of artistic and artisanal Nativity scenes along the streets, alleys, courtyards, and fountains: this is complemented by the event Nativities to Taste with a nocturnal enogastronomic walk.
