Canavese, an area of Northern Piedmont, has been inhabited since the 5th century B.C. when a Celtic tribe, Salassi, originating from Gallia, settled in the region. Since the 2nd century B.C. Roman penetration began, to make the Alpine passes safe.
Following the demise of the Roman Empire, Canavese became part of a Longobardian Duchy and  French county. During the late Middle Ages the area was divided between the domination of the Bishops of Ivrea, the Marquis of Monferrato, Princes of Acaja and Savoy; the latter acquired the dominion starting from the 14th century. Towards the late 18th century the French invaded Canavese and imposed new laws and the Jacobean customs of the revolution, triggering the revolt of the population already broken by the numerous endless conflicts. In the early 19th century the situation became particularly difficult because, following his victory at Marengo, Napoleon penetrated Turin causing the insurrection of the towns of Canavese which, nonetheless, remained under his dominion until 1814 when the Savoy family returned. In the 19th century new industries developed and craftwork and agriculture re-flourished, leaving indelible traces throughout the regional landscape.