Summer Festival at the Church of San Restituto

A cultural festival in the mountains of the Susa Valley

In the heart of summer, the Church of San Restituto in Sauze di Cesana, located in the Metropolitan City of Turin and the Piedmont region, transforms into an intimate space for meeting and reflection. The summer festival, curated by the Associazione Amici di San Restituto, brings together a series of events ranging from current affairs debates and book presentations to theatrical performances for both adults and children. All events take place between July and September, generally at 6:00 PM.

A place steeped in history

The church, mentioned in documents as early as the 13th century and likely built on an ancient shrine dedicated to a water deity, is one of the most fascinating buildings in the upper Susa Valley. Built outside the town center on the steep right slope of the Ripa stream, it features an Alpine Romanesque-Gothic style with a single nave, cross vaults, and a characteristic bell tower with defensive features. In the past, it served as a true fortress-church, surrounded by walls that offered shelter to the population during raids. Inside, it preserves frescoes depicting Saints Restituto, Giusto, and Claudio, as well as works by Pietro Vamala and Jacques Roux. This setting makes every meeting an experience that combines culture, faith, and mountain landscapes.

The 2026 program

The 2026 edition offers six events, all starting at 6:00 PM:

• Saturday, July 25 – "The News from Terra Madre 2026", a meeting on the alliance between food and sustainable lifestyles with Barbara Nappini, president of Slow Food.
• Saturday, August 1 – "The Hundred Years of the Amnesiac of Collegno", a historical dialogue on the famous case and psychiatric reform, with Alessandro Battaglino and Lillo Baglio.
• Friday, August 7 – "Sammy Basso and his life to be embraced", a presentation dedicated to the biologist affected by progeria, with his parents Laura Lucchin and Amerigo Basso and journalist Chiara Pelizzoni.
• Saturday, August 8 – Pre-festive Eucharistic celebration with Auxiliary Bishop Alessandro Giraudo, followed by a social gathering.
• Friday, August 21 – "I saw the snow", a theatrical performance for adults and children about the story of Ahmed, a young Kurd who discovers the mountains.
• Friday, September 4 – "Local news and La Valsusa", a meeting with Federica Bello, director of the weekly newspaper La Valsusa.

A summer to experience in Sauze di Cesana

A mountain municipality in the Vialattea ski area, Sauze di Cesana offers visitors a natural setting of great beauty, ideal for those wishing to combine cultural events with walks and hikes. The festival at San Restituto represents a precious opportunity to discover historical and artistic heritage that is otherwise rarely accessible, in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.