Bussolegno

A Sunday among wood shavings, gouges, and lathes

In Bussoleno, a small town in the Susa Valley in the province of Turin, woodworking is a tradition passed down through generations. Bussolegno — officially titled "Bussolegno… of lathes, of gouges, and more" — is the spring festival that brings dozens of master sculptors, turners, and carvers to the town's historic center each edition. For one day, the streets and squares become a sprawling workshop where visitors can observe Piedmontese craftsmanship up close: from ancient techniques to live demonstrations, showcasing the entire creative process from raw log to finished form.

Who organizes the event

The festival is promoted by the "Ferruccio Croce" School of Carving and Sculpture Cultural Association, founded in the early 1980s with the support of the municipal administration, which provided space in the basement of the Town Hall. The School aims to promote, disseminate, and pass on the artistic and craft traditions of wood carving and sculpture according to valley and regional customs, organizing annual evening courses in sculpture and woodturning. Bussolegno serves as the public showcase for this patient work, held under the patronage of the Municipality of Bussoleno and the Susa Valley Mountain Union.

What to find at Bussolegno

• Live demonstrations of woodturning, sculpture, and carving, performed by masters directly in the streets of the center.
• Exhibitions of figurative works, decorative sculptures, design objects, and contemporary functional pieces.
• Sculpture competition on a specific theme, where participating artisans compete.
• Exhibition of works created by local students as part of a drawing contest.
• Flea market and stalls featuring handcrafted, agricultural, and gourmet products from Piedmont.
• Entertainment featuring the Bussoleno Philharmonic Society, parades by historical groups, the traditional Gioco del Barro, and guided tours of the Varesio Mill.

A Susa Valley tradition

Over the years, Bussolegno has established itself as one of the most cherished events in the Susa Valley's spring calendar, traditionally held on the first Sunday of May. The event combines a passion for woodworking with the discovery of the historic center of Bussoleno, the main town of the Susa Valley, offering residents and visitors a day that blends craftsmanship, culture, music, and local flavors.