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Cuneo - Via Roma, arcades
The province of Cuneo extends to the south-western tip of Piedmont and borders France to the west and Liguria to the south.
The Alps, with the Monviso massif and the hills of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato cover most of the territory, while at the centre there is a vast plain traversed by Po, Tanaro and other rivers. The beautiful landscapes offer great variety: valleys with luxuriant vegetation, hills with patchworks of vineyards broken up only by castles, and wildlife reserves of unique beauty.
The Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime (natural park) features high altitude lakes that reflect the surrounding peaks with unforgettable views. The Parco Fluviale Gesso-Stura and the Parco Fluviale del Po Tratto Cuneese are of equal beauty and encompass unique landmarks, such as the rio Martino cave with a spectacular waterfall.
In addition to its natural beauty, the area offers many other attractions. Its positions made it an important point of contact between peoples and cultures. The most important routes of medieval pilgrimage ran across it: the Way of San Giacomo and Via Francigena. Important families fought for control down the ages. Its artistic and cultural heritage bears witness to centuries of history: castles and towers, that have become an integral part of the landscape, villas and princely residences, and wonderful abbeys, such as the Staffarda abbey.
In the territory around Cuneo, there are various towns with a wealth of history and artistic works, such as Alba, Fossano, Mondovì and Saluzzo, one of the most fascinating towns in Piedmont. The area is also home of the best Italian wines, and has been enriched by Occitan cultural influences, religious, gastronomic and folkloristic traditions, that make it the perfect spot holidays steeped in culture and enjoyment.
The first step on an exploration of this area should be Cuneo, surrounded by the snow-covered peaks of the Alps and is dominated by the Torre Civica .
Piazza Galimberti, a wide and central square, is the point of departure for a visit to Cuneo Vecchia with its arcades, lanes and monuments: the cathedral, the former church of San Francesco and the Museo Civico.
A land of traditions and culture, it boasts many residences of the Savoy, of immense architectural importance and are surrounded by wonderful parks and listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites: the royal castle of Racconigi, an imposing building featuring different styles, the castle of Pollenzo in the municipality of Bra, the castle of Govone which boasts rich décor and fine wooden furniture, and finally, the Savoy residence of Valcasotto in the municipality of Garessio. Archaeological sites dating back to the Roman era are definitely worth a visit, including the Excavation of Augusta Bagiennorum and the ruins of ancient Pollentia with the remains of the theatre and of the amphitheatre.
Along the ancient medieval pilgrimage routes, the Via Francigena and the Way of Santiago, there are many artistic and religious relics. The most famous are: the shrines of San Magno in Grana Valley, of Sant’Anna di Vinadio and of the Madonna dei boschi in Boves.
Sites of great spiritual importance lie in the territory, such as the imposing abbey of Staffarda, one of the most important medieval monuments of Piedmont, and the monastery of Pesio which lies in a picturesque valley.
Saluzzo is known as the “Siena of Piedmont” and offers an interesting visit to admire monuments dating back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, testaments to its role as the capital of an important marquisate.
Other important sites are Alba, the medieval “town with a hundred towers” that lies in the River Tanaro Valley, the home of the precious white truffle; Bra, renowned for the production of carnival masks, and Dronero, a summer resort boasting fine examples of architecture.
An interesting route through the hills reveals ancient manors like the castle of Cavour in Grinzane, one of the most evocative buildings of the Langhe where Camillo Benso used to live; the castles of Cherasco, Manta and Acaja di Fossano, with an ancient drawbridge that still functions. Piasco is the home of the Museo dell’arpa Victor Salvi with it’s a fascinating collection of harps.
From Franosa Soprana to Limone Piemonte, from Vinadio to Argentera and Pontechianale, the mountains and valleys offer winter sports, in modern resorts fully equipped with facilities and pistes for skiing, cross country skiing and snowboarding, along with snowshoe and skating trails.
There are many mountaineering and trekking trails for all degrees of difficulty right up to the Grande Traversata delle Alpi, which is a regional itinerary through specific paths and with the option of staying in a series of lodges.
The Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime (natural park) provides many hiking trails, while the Parco Fluviale Gesso-Stura offers a wide range of walking/biking trails and the city of Cuneo boasts many swimming pools and sport facilities.
Valdieri, Vinadio, Garessio, Roccolo di Busta, Camorei di Borgo San Dalmazzo, Lurisia, Peveragno are thermal springs with health centres that offer rejuvenating and relaxing stays.
There are many events and festivals during the year, such as the National Exhibition of craftsmanship and antiques of Saluzzo, or the Inernational Fair of white truffles of Alba, or the traditional Palio degli asini, a donkey race in Alba.
The historical reenactments are especially evocative, such as the Bahio di Sampeyre commemorating the victory of the inhabitants of Cuneo’s valleys against the Saracens during the Middle age; the Roumiage de Setembre in Coumboscuro, and the Giostra dell’oca, a tournament staged in Fossano with archers, infantrymen and flag-bearer processions.
The most important product is the white truffle of Alba that has an intense fragrance and is picked in various areas: Langhe, Monferrato, Roero. Just as tasty and appreciated, the black truffle is gathered in the Mongia and Grana valleys.
The most common main courses are dunderet di patate, tajerin, agnolotti, gnocchi alla bava and risotto with quails. The cheeses include various kinds of toma from the Langhe, the robiola of Dogliani and bruss. Castelmagno cheese is a renowned local product made in the Occitan valleys of Piedmont, where the ancient Oc language is still spoken.
The most outstanding typical products are cured meats such as “batiur” or “mariur”, made from pork, spices and wine; and cured beef.
The local desserts include cuneesi with rum and the torrone d’Alba, a type of nougat. In the Monviso valleys, losëtte, brut e bun ("ugly but tasty") with almonds and hazelnut granola, and risòle (fried ravioli with jam inside and sugar topping), are the best known. In the Po Valley, a typical sweet is batiaje, pastries made with yellow flour.
From Langhe to Monferrato and Roero, this is a realm of great wines like Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Freisa and DOC wines of the Saluzzesi Hills.
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