Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist

Avigliana's Patron Saint Festival

The Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist is the most cherished religious and civic event in Avigliana, a town in the Province of Turin nestled between two lakes at the entrance to the Susa Valley, in Piedmont. Saint John the Baptist, the Forerunner of Christ, is the city's patron saint, and his nativity is celebrated on June 24th. Around this date, the municipality and the parish community organize several days of festivities that combine spiritual reflection with popular celebration.

Between the Sanctuary and Piazza Conte Rosso

The religious heart of the festival is the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Laghi, also known as the Capuchin Sanctuary, built between 1622 and 1642 by the will of Duke Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy and now entrusted to the Salesians of Don Bosco. This is where the solemn Mass in honor of the patron saint is held, serving as the highlight of the celebrations. The civic side of the festival takes place in Piazza Conte Rosso, the historic living room of the town at the foot of the Savoyard castle, which hosts evening concerts and musical events open to everyone.

Music, Community, and Tradition

The program alternates between liturgical moments and social gatherings: concerts in the square, performances by the town band, tournaments, and initiatives organized by local associations such as the Unione Bocciofila Aviglianese. It is a village festival in the most authentic sense, where the different facets of Avigliana—devout, athletic, and convivial—come together. For those visiting the Susa Valley during this time, the festival is also an opportunity to discover one of the most charming medieval villages in Piedmont, with its historic center, castle, and the lakes protected by the Laghi di Avigliana Natural Park.

What makes San Giovanni in Avigliana special

• The solemn Mass in the scenic Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Laghi
• The evening concerts in Piazza Conte Rosso, beneath the castle
• The atmosphere of widespread celebration throughout the historic center, lakes, and natural park
• The deep connection to Savoyard tradition and the folk culture of the Susa Valley