Cuneo, Authentic City Near The Mountains

5 February, 2015

Southwest Piemonte, Cuneo province, is famous because it holds the famous regions of Langhe and Barolo, unique monuments of Italian wine visited each year by millions of wine and food lovers. Millions do visit Cuneo province, but almost nobody of them actually visits the town Cuneo itself.

Cuneo is situated one hour west of Barolo, near the Alps, and is quite a charming and interesting town. It was built in 12^th century and came under rule of Savoie in 1382 after which it became an important military stronghold against France. Its location is very strategic near some important pathways across the Alps. It had never been conquered until Napoleon arrived in 1796. But also Napoleon prefered for his army the road along the coast, along Nice and Savona before entering North Italy because the reputation of Cuneo as invincible stronghold was very strong. After Napoleon´s victory near Mondovi, Cuneo became French. In that period the military fortifications were put down, the centre was extended and piazza Galimberti (below), one of Piemonte´s most beautiful places, was built.

The centre is similar to Turin, with long arcades covering no less than 13 kilometers. Via Roma, now a pedestrian zone, was the centre of the old part of the town. It has been restaured and back in form with such unique and authentic shops. Here one finds still old traditions vivid of 19^th century shops, waiters in livery, serving coffee, tea and the typical cuneesi al rhum, with much flair.

Especially in the contrada Mondovi and also at Via Roma one finds a beautiful part of the centre, mainly built in 15th century. If the town is able to preserve this wonderful ambiance, these old shops, this feeling of ´Novecento´ this town will become a famous destination for all those who are looking for something authentic which they will not find anymore elsewhere. It should be considered a value, something characteristic and this counts also for some beautiful monuments. Worth visiting are the Museo Civico, situated in the complex of the Chiesa San Francesco which shows a great number of interesting art works and also the Chiesa San Sebastiano with the museo diocesiano, an interesting religious museum. The Santa Croce is worth visiting too.

Cuneo is surrounded at three sides by mountains and this makes it a fantastic starting point for hiking in the Alps in summer and skiing in winter. There are some beautiful natural parks and abundant nature, often unspoiled.

Altogether Cuneo presents an intesting alternative for those who are looking for some interesting culture after some stay in the vineyards of Barolo. And there are some excellent restaurants.