What to visit
Cuneo city to visit
The capital of the province of Piedmont, Cuneo has always been a strategically important city due to its geographical location.
Founded in 1198, it takes its name from the shape of the plateau on which it stands, where the Stura river and the Gesso stream converge, surrounded by the Maritime and Cottian Alps, which give the environment a special and mysterious appearance.
The oldest core of the city was built following a distinctive checkerboard layout that runs along Via Roma, the main street of historic Cuneo. This street became pedestrian in 2014, and today it is possible to walk along it not only under the characteristic arcades, but also admiring the frescoes and their special features.
After leaving Via Roma, the walk leads to one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, known as "Cuneo's living room": Piazza Galimberti, the beating heart of the city. Its history dates back to the 1800s, after the walls were demolished by Napoleon's troops. It is thought to have originally been half the size it is today, but due to the importance of the silk trade in the citadel, its size was doubled. This expansion was also designed to relieve the city, which had become densely populated over time.
A distinctive feature of the city are the famous "arcades," which run the entire length of the city, allowing people to stroll quietly while looking at store windows, indifferent to the weather. It is virtually certain that the umbrella will not be opened for 6 kilometers, thanks to the coverage provided by the arcades.
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Cuneo is also famous for its gastronomy, which includes typical dishes such as bagnetto verde, bagna cauda, and tajarin with truffles.
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During the summer period, the city hosts numerous cultural, musical and food and wine events, which attract visitors from all over Italy.
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Its proximity to the Alps offers numerous opportunities for winter sports and mountain hiking enthusiasts.
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Cuneo has a rich history related to the historical events of the Piedmont region and the Napoleonic era, evidenced by monuments, museums, and historic buildings in the city.