Visit the Villa Ametis

"If you have some free days in August come to Pollone so that we can spend some time together to talk about the big changes that have happened this year."
Excerpt of a letter by Pier Giorgio to Antonio Villani, May 15, 1924

Any visit to Italy in the footsteps of Blessed Frassati would not be complete without spending a little time at the family's summer home.  Built in 1875 by Pier Giorgio's maternal grandfather Francesco Ametis, it is full of family history.  Artwork of Mrs. Frassati and her painter friend Alberto Falchetti decorates many of the walls.  The bedroom where Pier Giorgio spent so much time is nearly completely intact - with his long wooden skis in the corner and his agriculture diploma on the mantle.  A nearby room is a close reproduction of the bedroom where he died in Turin, including the actual bed and special mementos that belonged to him.  In the summer months, the flower garden is full of the roses and hydrangea he enjoyed taking to his beloved Madonna of Oropa. 

The Villa Ametis is located at no. 33, via Pier Giorgio Frassati.  If arriving by car, a parking lot has been added just a little beyond the entrance gates up the hill on the left.  Coming by train is a little more difficult.  The nearest train/bus station is Biella San Paolo.  From there, you will have to find a bus or hire a taxi to go to Pollone.  It's worth it!

Thousands of people visit Pollone each year but the family home is not a museum or public building.  It is still the family home.  However, there is a caretaker on the premises throughout the year and a local resident who often will come to meet you to show you the special rooms of Pier Giorgio.  Special arrangements can be made to have Mass for a small group in Blessed Frassati's room.  Large groups can set up an altar on the grounds outside.  To do this, send an email to:  [email protected] or contact the Associazione Pier Giorgio Frassati Torino.