The name is linked to the veneration of San Secondo. It is a town located near Turin in the area, not far from Pinerolo, in a hill valley which includes both the main centre and the districts of Airali and Miradolos, the latter close to the river Chisone.
Of the first settlement's origins, there is little information: the discovery of a Roman tombstone in the countryside around San Secondo, evidence the presence of a settlement in the area. The first reliable data dates back to the Middle Ages (XI century), a period when the main village was Miradolo. The town featured a fortress that was completely destroyed during the conflict between the French and Savoy during the XVII century. San Secondo became part of a County under the control of the Family of the Counts Bianco. During the XVII century the center was involved in religious clashes between Catholics and Waldenses, which in the meanwhile had become a significant part of the population. With the stabilization of the state of Savoy, in the XVIII century, the town obtained the permission to expand in building and economic terms. In the XIX century the clay industry and the viticulture spread out, which gave further impetus to already strong local economy.
Not to miss:
- the Parish Church of San Secondo, in Baroque style, built under the supervision of the architect Buniva in 1773.
- the Church of the Confraternity of S.S. Trinità dating from the XVIII century.
- the Miradolo Castle, near the river Chisone, represented a strategic stronghold. The particular location at the mouth of the valley, allowed the control over the surrounding areas. Destroyed at the end of the XVI century during the fighting between French and Savoy troops, it was rebuilt in the XIX century and now features a clear Neo-Gothic imprint, surrounded by a beautiful large park of over 6 hectares. Since the death of the last heir of the Cacherano Family, the complex was abandoned and only restored in 2008. Today is one of the historical gardens of Piedmont.
- the XVIII century Parish Church of Santa Maria in Miradolo, built in Baroque style.
- the Church of St. John the Baptist in the village Airale, which features a soberly decorated façade, surmounted by a tympanum.
- the Old Town centre, dating from the XVIII century with fine buildings and the ancient well.