A cultural itinerary of Mondovì must start from its original cluster, Piazza, located on top of the hill known as “Monte Regale”. The buildings that enclose Piazza Maggiore, that is, Palazzo del Governatore, Palazzo di Città and Palazzo Fauzone, are witnesses to over eight centuries of history. Palazzo Fauzone, for example, houses both the Museo della Ceramica (Ceramics Museum), where visitors can learn about the 200-years tradition of the Monregalese ceramics, and the city’s Tourist Office. Not to be missed is also the Chiesa della Missione with its interiors. Here, Andrea Pozzo, by creating a fake dome of spectacular impact, shows all his artistic mastery in decorating the vault. Not too far from the square, between the walls of the Polo Culturale delle Orfane, the Printing Museum shows the history and the technologies related to books and printing. 

Going further up the square, it is possible to take the paved road that goes through the 18th century Cattedrale di San Donato, designed by Francesco Gallo, and the sumptuous Bishop’s Palace until you reach the Giardino del Belvedere, from where you can have a marvellous view of both the Alps and the Cuneo Plain. In the middle of the Parco del Tempo, together with its many sundials, the tower, with the single hand clocks, symbol of the city, stands out. This is also the perfect spot to admire the tens of hot-air balloons that every year, on the occasion of the Epiphany, rise up to the sky during the  International Aerostatic Rally.

The historic connection with the town of Vicoforte is highlighted by the so-called Via delle Cappelle, that is, the ancient pilgrimage road used by the Monregalesi people to go to the Santuario della Natività di Maria. The task of contemporary technologies, on the other hand, is to connect the upper part with the lower part of Mondovì. This goal is achieved by the funicular railway, which was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the internationally renowned designer from Garessio.

At the foot of the hill, with its historic shops, clubs and its refined and porticoed streets, we then have Breo. Tasting the Rakikò, the typical liqueur made in Mondovì, is a must. Not to be missed is also the amazing Piazza San Pietro. This square is decorated by the sundials and by the façade of the church of the same name, on top of which the automaton of the Moor (the main mask of the Carnival of Mondovì) strikes every hour.  

Visit the city with the Museo Diffuso Cuneese