Torre Pellice

Torre Pellice is a small town in Italy’s western Alps, in the region of Piemonte.

The town was built by the Valdesi, a protestant community descending from the Valdensian tradition of Lyon (France).  The self-sufficiency required to survive during long periods of persecution created a tradition of artisanship and education which remains much in evidence to this day. The Tempio Valdese, pictured, is the world centre of the Waldensian church.

MTW customers visit the ancient cultural and education centres such as Pra del Torno, scattered amidst the wild, densley wooded hillsides. The high mountain passes and ridges afford majestic views over the Alpine chain and the Piemontese plain.

In more modern times, these valleys formed one of the centres of Italy’s Partisan movement in World War II. The Partisans used the Caffé Italia in the town centre as a meeting place and safe house. 

During the war, Altiero Spinelli hid in Mario Rollier’s house, where he made his first speech as President of the European Federalists, to a group of exiles and anti-fascists.

This is commemmorated by a plaque, unveiled by President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in August 2023.