Overview
Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club
Cherasco is located in the province of Cuneo, at the foot of the Langhe hills. For centuries, its famous and influential history has made it a protagonist, beginning in the autumn of 1243, with noble palaces, medieval towers, and baroque churches still standing as testimony. Two impressive arches, the Belvedere Arch and the opposite Narzole Arch, both from the 18th century, frame the historic center, which has a square plan with two large districts crossing perpendicularly, dividing the town into four quarters.
Cherasco has a very lively cultural life, with events, art exhibitions, antiques markets, musical and theatrical appointments, and meetings. The museum offer includes the Museum of Magic, the only one in Europe, the civic museum with a prestigious numismatic collection, and the natural history museum dedicated to the territory.
Among the points of interest are the Church of San Martino, built in Romanesque style between the 12th and 13th centuries, and the Church of San Pietro, the oldest and most important in the area, which preserves an interesting Romanesque facade. The Palazzo Salmatoris, frescoed by Taricco and once the residence of the Savoy family, where Napoleon dictated the surrender to Vittorio Amedeo III, now hosts various art exhibitions. The Palazzo Gotti di Salerano, dating back to the 17th century, houses the "Giovan Battista Adriani" Civic Museum. Other notable points of interest include the Belvedere Arch, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Popolo, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie. A walk on the 16th-century city ramparts is recommended, offering a wonderful panoramic view of the Langhe and the Alps, and ending near the Visconti Castle (a private residence).
Among the typical products, Baci di Cherasco (chocolate confections born in 1881, made with toasted Langhe hazelnuts and dark chocolate), Barolo Mantoetto, Robiola De.C.O. goat cheese, snails in all their variations, Rana di Roreto di Cherasco, and Salsiccia al Barolo are must-try. Acqua di Cherasco is a collection of fragrances dedicated to the city.
The main events include the historic antique and collectibles markets and the famous exhibitions at Palazzo Salmatoris.
Cherasco also offers a wide range for outdoor enthusiasts, with about 100 km of hiking trails across the entire territory. This project, launched in early 2021, aims to give the community and tourists the opportunity to spend time discovering the scenic beauty of the City of Peace. There are 8 different trails, ranging from short walks around the historic center to longer routes exploring the town's districts. These trails can be walked or cycled (even with e-bikes).
Families and children can enjoy dedicated activities. The first, located in the historic center, is an experience for both adults and children at the Museum of Magic, where visitors can retrace the history of famous magicians, revealing stage tricks and special effects, all brought to life with a touch of fantasy. The visit follows a museum path with instruments, costumes, optical illusions, and a theater for a real magic show. The second activity, especially suitable for children, takes visitors beyond the Tanaro River to the Roreto district, famous for its frog tradition. Here, the "Nara La Rana" path was created, a story told through 16 murals, illustrating fairy tales and paintings that depict the frog's adventures.
The last proposal is the Sentiero del Bacio (Path of the Kiss), a romantic walk where you can discover the jewels of the town center: from the fresh Rio Crosio at the foot of the city plateau, to the pleasant balcony of the Bastions, and finally the colorful streets of the historic center. Along the route, the fairy tale La Zarina di Cherasco, based on real historical anecdotes of the city, accompanies the tourist. The story brochures are available for free at the Cherasco Tourist Office.
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