MOUNTAINS AND ANCIENT DEVOTION IN VILLANOVA MONDOVÌ

The town of Villanova Mondovì boasts a particularly ancient historical centre, Villavecchia, overlooked by buildings that have stood the test of time, remaining practically intact. Just outside the town, the striking Santuario di Santa Lucia is set on the south-east side of the mountain, while the opposite side of the valley hosts the Grotta dei Dossi. The latter, with its concretions is considered one of the most colourful caves in Italy. 

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The town of Villanova Mondovì boasts a very old historic centre, Villavecchia , which is located on the ascent of Mount Calvario. There, the buildings overlook a delightful square, having stood the test of time.


The Chiesa di Santa Caterina stands on the foundations of a building of worship prior to the year 1000. Inside, you can identify the overlapping of the centuries in four different naves of rare beauty, and admire the pictorial cycles by Rufino d'Alessandria, the Master of San Sebastiano and other local fifteenth century artists.


The Confraternita di Santa Croce, now the seat of the parish church, was designed by Bernardo Vittone, one of the greatest exponents of Piedmontese Baroque, its architectural characteristics making it a valuable example of its genre.


High on the steep south-east slope of Mount Calvario is the striking Santuario di Santa Lucia, with adjoining convent, a destination for devotees on pilgrimages to the cave dedicated to the veneration of the saint: a place of faith and history with its origins in the 16th century.


On the opposite side, not far from the town of Villanova, is the Grotta dei Dossi : discovered by chance by a hunter in 1797, it was opened to the public a century later and inaugurated in 1893. The cave is of karst origin, spans an area of 910 metres and is divided into corridors and rooms in a thousand different shades of colour. It is claimed to be the most colourful cave in Italy and its chambers have been enhanced using modern lighting systems that highlight its polychromies and reveal the variety of concretions present.


In autumn, the Bee - Formaggi di montagna event is unmissable. Dedicated to products made at high altitude, in includes a food market, gastronomic and cultural events, culinary shows and educational activities for children. Villano va also hosts an interesting "festival della buona politica" during which leading contemporary figures are prompted to discuss current affairs, economics and civil commitment. The “Eula Dialogues” are dedicated to the illustrious Villanovan jurist Lorenzo Eula (1824 - 1893) who was also Minister of Justice in the first Giolitti government.

CUNEO ALPS: YOUR PERFECT HOLIDAY. MONREGALESI VALLEYS

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