Traves (628 m) is a small village on the slopes of Monte Calcante, at the confluence of the two Stura branches, one coming from Val Grande – Val d’Ala and the other from Val di Viù. The village’s name could have originated from the word “entraives” (between waters - confluence) or “travi” (logs originally used to cross the river).
From the beginning of the XVIIth century, Traves was part of the Lanzo municipality. It was then incorporated in the Germagnano municipality for a few years. At last it became an independent municipality. In 1724, as consequence of splitting up of the Lanzo Marquises territories, Traves was granted as feud to the lawyer Michele Rebuffo of Villafranca. In 1865, eight years after the opening of the Germagnano – Pessinetto county road, a two irregular arches bridge was built over the stream. This put an end to the many problems Traves had to face for centuries. Proof of this fact is a document which clearly states that Traves inhabitants were dispensed with night watch duties to Lanzo fortress and castle since there was not a safe bridge or gangway to cross the Stura stream. Traves is well known for iron craftsmanship which was brought on until World War II. At the beginning of the path dedicated to Piergiorgio Frassati a nail forge is still visible.
