THE BAROQUE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE SANTUARIO DI VICOFORTE

Vicoforte is famous for the Santuario Regina Montis Regalis, which boasts the largest elliptical masonry dome in the world. Thanks to the “Magnificat” project, it is possible to climb up to the lantern of the building, at a height of 60 metres, and take a close look at this impressive architectural and pictorial work. On 8 September, the village comes alive with the “Fera d'la Madona”, one of the most important trade fairs in Piedmont. 

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The town of Vicoforte spans various hamlets arranged on the luxuriant hills of the Langhe Monregalesi. The town’s historic centre , with the town hall and the Chiesa di San Donato, is located in a panoramic position. Its territory is ideal for the outdoor activities that can be practiced on the Sentiero Landandè. A few steps from the centre, in the Fiamenga hamlet, the church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul dominates the hill overlooking the town of Mondovì. This is one of the oldest testimonies of Faith in the Vicese area, and you can still make out a number of frescoes dating back to the fourteenth century next to the entrance door.


The town is famous for the Santuario Basilica Regina Montis Regalis, dedicated to the Natività di Maria Santissima, and it boasts the largest elliptical masonry dome in the world: the place is linked to the devotion for the effigy of the Madonna and Child, painted on a votive pillar, a phenomenon that developed in 1594 as the result of a number of miraculous healings.


The sanctuary has many unique characteristics: founded on 7 July 1596 under the auspices of Duke Carlo Emanuele I of Savoy, it took rather a long time to build. The marvellous elliptical dome, work of Monregalese architect Francesco Gallo, was completed in 1733 and the Baroque-inspired pictorial field, of over 6,000 square meters, was frescoed by Felice Biella and Mattia Bortoloni between 1746 and 1748.  Thanks to the “Magnificat” project, today it is possible to visit the extraordinary dome and reach the lantern at a height of 60 meters.


The majestic monumental complex also includes the Monastero Cistercense, currently used as an accommodation facility, and the “palazzata”, a semi-octagonal arcaded building overlooked by commercial and catering businesses as well as the Tourist Office.


Instead, on 8 September, during the solemn celebrations staged for the Nativity of Mary, you can participate in the “Fera d'la Madona”, one of the oldest and largest traditional trade fairs in Piedmont.

CUNEO ALPS: YOUR PERFECT HOLIDAY. MONREGALESI VALLEYS

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