The Viù name originates, according to some academics , from the Latin word vicus interpreted as village, according to others meant as way or passage. Neolithic finds and rock engravings prove that the Viù territory has been inhabited since the prehistoric age. The presence of Romans is also proved by the coins found on the site of the old castle in the Versino hamlet. In 1159 the Viù feud was granted to the Baratonia Viscounts. As from the first half of the XIVth century, Viù historical events intertwine with those of the Savoy Family. In 1313 the territory was granted to the Acaja Family, later on, in 1345, to Amedeo VII, known as “Conte Rosso”. Between 1333 and 1335 three quarters of the territory were handed over to the Giusti Family of Susa and, in 1350 were transferred to the Provana of Carignano and Leinì. In 1465 the Arcourts inherited the last quarter of the territory. In 1633, the duke Vittorio Amedeo I unified the feud under Ottavio Provana’s authority and named him first Count of Viù. Between 1799 and 1815, during the Restoration, an outpost of the Austrian – Russian troops which had occupied Lanzo was set in the Maddalene hamlet. After the Savoy Family coming back, the Turin aristocracy began to frequent Viù which became their resort site.
