THE TERRITORY, OUR HOME
The Cuneo area is known as la Granda, and this is indeed the case. It is the fourth largest province in Italy, a green basin that opens up from Turin to the southwest, towards the Ligurian Sea, the Cote d'Azur and Provence. Such vastness can only be surveilled by placing yourself right in the centre, in Fossano, from the top of the panoramic tower of the Castle of the Princes of Acaja. There the gaze runs over the signs of the cultivated fields, up to the profiles of the mountains, the sources of the Po and the King of Stone, the Monviso.
Formerly the Savoy family's granary, it has a very high number of recognized typical productions and its parks are a national biodiversity reserve. The valleys preserve ancient languages; in the squares where the courento is still danced to the sound of a hurdy-gurdy, you will see the Occitan flag fluttering with pride.
Each city is a story in itself. The ceramics of Mondovì and the amazing belvedere enjoyed so much by Napoleon, the glories of Saluzzo, an ancient marquisate known for its cultural liveliness, the Saviglianese school of Piedmontese Baroque. And then Cuneo itself, surrounded by its river park, one of the twenty greenest cities in Italy, the ideal starting point for enjoying exceptional outdoor experiences.
The Highlands of Piedmont
The mountains surround the Cuneo plain, protecting it, like an affectionate embrace, outlining its contours and defining not only its borders but also its character, an identity that in Piedmont is inextricably linked to the Highlands.
Lorded over by the majestic profile of Monviso, the Cuneo Alps offer unspoilt nature for trekking and cycling enthusiasts, and an intact cultural heritage, where it is possible to relive ancient traditions through the daily work of the local artisans, the festivals in the area and its genuine food.
In winter, with its cross-country skiing centres and ski resorts - including Riserva Bianca and Mondolè, two of the most popular ski areas in the Alps - the Cuneo Alps are a popular destination for ski and ski mountaineering enthusiasts, snowshoeing and snow adventures. Always with an eye on the typical flavours of the mountains, a real added value for gourmets.
A heritage of beauty
Tracing the history of art through a remarkable heritage preserved in the towns full of charm and beauty in the Cuneo area. Each one has features and monuments that make it unique: in Fossano, the grandeur of the castle of the Princes of Acaja is striking, while in Mondovì, the Belvedere Tower offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding plain and the Langhe hills.
In Saluzzo, capital of the ancient Marquisate, you can immerse yourself in the Middle Ages, strolling through the picturesque historic centre, while Savigliano is one of the finest expressions of Baroque in Piedmont. Not to be missed is Cuneo, the capital, famous for its imposing Piazza Galimberti, one of the largest and most fascinating squares in Italy, and for the museums it houses, such as the Casa Galimberti Museum and the Museo Civico.
SMALL VILLAGES, GREAT TREASURES
Small villages yes, but made special by the unique character of their inhabitants. Some hold precious works of art, such as Vicoforte and its sanctuary, which boasts the largest elliptical masonry dome in the world and features a unique themed pictorial field spanning over 6000 square metres. Manta instead looks up to its elegant castle, now a FAI property, known for its Baronial Room, one of the masterpieces of late Gothic secular painting.
Other villages are drivers of culture, such as Ostana, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy: it has made the authenticity of its locations and its link with the Occitan tradition its main attractions. Likewise, in Monterosso Grana the Coumboscuro cultural association promotes the rediscovery of Provençal culture in Italy.
But there is more. The Cuneo area is made up of villages that have witnessed history, such as Bene Vagienna, the ancient Roman Augusta Bagiennorum, or rare geological events, as evidenced by the curious Ciciu of Villar San Costanzo. Other villages are renowned for their typical products: leeks from Cervere, Castelmagno cheese, “bue grasso” meat from Carrù, pumpkin from Piozzo or Pamparato biscuits, the pride of Piedmont’s dry pastries.