For some historians the name derives from some "buxus" (box), while for others from "Bussulus," the proper name of a local family, whose name appears in an epigraph. It is a mountain village in the province of Turin, located in Val di Susa, on the river Dora Riparia. The territory is composed of several villages located between 430 and 2852 meters. The area is famous for the presence of stone and green marble quarries and iron mines. The old town of medieval origins features characteristic buildings, like the house of Aschieri and the Antica Osteria.
In Roman times this area was an important settlement surrounded by several "villas" (large farms). These structures were active until the Middle Ages, while between year 1000 and the XIX century in the area no events of particular importance have been reported. In the XI century it became a feud linked to the Savoy, in the XIV century the town was surrounded by walls punctuated by three doors. The feud submitted the domain of various noble families, with local origins, such as the Aschieri and the Rotari and was granted in fief to a local doctor Francesco Fiocchetto, to repay his invaluable contribution during the plague of the XVII century. A crucial change to the local economy arrived with the railroad wanted by the Government of Savoy during the second half of the XIX century. The line, which originally connected only Turin to Susa, was extended to France passing through the Frejus tunnel. This new state of things helped to make Bussoleno a key reference point for trade, economic and social development which was obtained also from the large factories already present here, related to the processing of cotton. Also mining became a major activity, already in use in Roman times.
Not to miss:
- the Parish of St. John the Baptist, dating from the XVIII century, it was expanded in the XIX century.
- the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, of ancient origins, restored in the XVIII century it features a new Baroque style which changed completely the layout of the original building. It features a single nave and preserves inside a wooden crucifix dating from the XV century.
- the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace which preserves inside important frescoes.
- the castle Borello, is actually what remains of walls built in the second half of the XIV century to protect the city. It originally belonged to the Rotari, that used it as a shelter and has been renovated several times
- the Renaissance Castle of Allais.
- the Museum of rail transport through the Alps, a real train deposit where historical trains, steam and electric locomotives are on display.
- Mansion Aschieri and Mansion Amprimo, both dating back to late medieval, they spread over two floors and are both preceded by a portico supported by columns.