IVREA

The town was founded by the Romans around 100 b.C. as a bulwark against the Salassi, the indigenous population, and was called Eporedia. In the early Middle Ages, Ivrea was the capital of a Longobard duchy till 754 A.D., when it was annexed to the Holy Roman Empire. A Studium (university) was established there in 825. In 889 it became the capital of the Mark of Ivrea (aka Mark of Italy) and enhanced its power under bishop Warmondo, king Berengario II, and king Arduin. It became one of the Savoys' possessions in 1313. Between 1536 and 1559, like the whole Sabaudian duchy, it was under French and Spanish domination. France conquered it again in 1704, 1796, and 1800. In 1814, it was definitely annexed to the Savoys' kingdom.
Its main monuments include the remains of a Roman amphitheatre (which could seat up to 10,000 people) and several Mediaeval buildings: Casa della Credenza (1400's), Porte Toupe, Ponte Vecchio. The Duomo, rebuilt in the eighteenth century with a Neoclassic façade, preserves its Mediaeval crypt and bell-towers. Behind the Duomo, beside the Chapter cloisters, is the Castle, whose construction began in 1358. Other monuments are: Casa degli Stria, Chiesa di San Bernardino, and the Baroque Chiesa di San Gaudenzio, designed by the great architect Bernardino Vittone. The Chapter Library and the P.A. Garda Museum are also worth a visit.