Places rich in history, traditions and important gastronomic itineraries: here are 10 unmissable towns in the Granda Province, near Cuneo. Ready to organize your weekend? Let's start with this article.
In all Italian regions there are small villages or pretty villages that are often not considered as destinations for a holiday or a weekend. Only in the province of Cuneo you can find many more or less large cities that can be visited in a few hours, but no less attractive than others.
In this post we want to talk about 10 cities not to be missed in the province of Cuneo, some tips to create an itinerary for a holiday or for a weekend do it yourself.
1. Fossano
The first town we are going to discover in the province of Cuneo is Fossano: the birthplace of two famous ones panettone factories: Balocco and Maina. Fossano has a very well-kept historic center that can be visited in a few hours. The visit of the city can start from via Roma, the main street of the center bounded by the arcades. At the beginning of via Roma there is the “Bastione”, built in the XNUMXth century for military defense. The architect who built it is said to be the same architect who designed the Castello Sforzesco in Milan. Continuing along the central street you arrive at the city's cathedral with its bell tower. From here, along via Cavour you arrive at Acaja Castle.
The castle can be visited and inside it houses the library of the city. Returning to via Roma, at the other end is the beautiful one Church of the Holy Trinity or red jokes. We recommend a visit inside to admire the beauty of the interior. Another thing not to be missed in Fossano is the walk on Viale Mellano, the city's belvedere on the valley of the Stura river.
2. Racconigi
If you think that castles and palaces with large gardens are only found abroad, you are wrong, they are also found in the province of Cuneo. In Racconigi you will discover a castle with a beautiful park. This castle has changed owners many times, in the fourteenth century it became the property of the Savoy family. The castle is part of the Savoy residences in Piedmont and since 1997 it is part of the Savoy residences site included in the UNESCO heritage list. In Racconigi it is possible to visit the Anatidae Storks Center, a center that deals with the protection of storks. In this green oasis it is possible to observe them, have picnics and follow some activities for the children.
3. Saluzzo
Saluzzo is one of the best preserved medieval villages in the province, the historic center is very nice. A few kilometers from Saluzzo is the Manta Castle. This castle is part of the FAI assets, it is a medieval fortress with evidence of profane late Gothic painting inspired by themes of chivalric novels.
4. La Morra
A small village in the heart of the Langhe, what characterizes it is the beautiful square / terrace overlooking the hilly landscape covered with vines. Here, a stop in one of the many wineries for a tasting is a must. Do not miss the colorful Church of Barolo among the vineyards.
5. Cherasco
At the gates of the Langhe is Cherasco, a city famous for the peace treaty that bears his name, stipulated at the time of Napoleon. Don't miss the Salmatoris Palace (the building where the treaty was signed), theArch of the Belvedere and l 'Ancient Botanical Garden of the Somascan fathers.
6. Sunrise
City famous for the famous chocolate and for the truffle. Every autumn the city fills with visitors from all over the world to the truffle fair. Alba is not very big, its historic center can be visited in a few hours. Do not miss the "Via Maestra", and the last remaining towers. This city was known as the city of a hundred towers, but today only a few remain. One of the places where eat well the truffle in Alba it is undoubtedly La Piola, famous for its dishes. As for theaperitif in Alba, two tips on what to drink and where in the dedicated article.
7. Neive
One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, located within the Langhe landscape. Its historic center has medieval origins, the beauty of this village are the small streets that "climb" towards the Clock Tower.
8. Mondovì
Its historic center is very suggestive, not to be missed Civic tower on the Belvedere and the Piazza district, one of the oldest in the city. A few kilometers from Mondovì, the beautiful sanctuary of Vicoforte.
9. Bra
Little considered by tourism, famous for the typical sausage that takes its name. Bra has a small historic center with churches and Baroque architecture. The fair is held every two years in Bra Cheese organized with Slow Food, excellent opportunity to visit the city. An article that I recommend you to read on the same topic is 5 things to do in Bra.
10. Barolo
City from which the famous wine takes its name, seat of Wine Museum located inside the castle overlooking the city. Here, as in every town of the Langhe, there are many wineries and you have the opportunity to carry out wine tastings and visits to vineyards.
Here, therefore, is only a small part of the towns and villages present in the "Granda province”, But there are still many others and all to be discovered.
