Overview
Created as a military citadel by the Savoy family, Cuneo stands at the confluence of the Stura and Gesso rivers, on a plateau in the shape of a “cùneo” (wedge), after which it was named. The historic centre winds around Piazza Galimberti, an elegant gathering place surrounded by porticoed buildings. Via Roma, the main street, is lined with architecturally fascinating buildings, including the Palazzo della Torre, surmounted by the 14th-century Civic Tower, Casa Basso, with its ancient brick decorations, and Casa Quaglia, with its façade frescoed with heraldic motifs. A traditional, less crowded corner is the old Jewish ghetto, Contrada Mondovì, with several historic shops.
If you visit the city, be sure to try Cuneesi, the typical chocolate made with meringue and rum. For more refined palates, we recommend visiting the Langhe area, from Barolo, the town famous for its namesake red wine, to Alba, with its prized white truffles. Every year, the cream of the crop are auctioned for charity.
Don’t miss the castle of Racconigi with its beautiful park. Owned by the Savoy family since the 14th century, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Nearby is the Associazione Centro Cicogne e Anatidi nature reserve, which specialises in protecting storks. In this green oasis, you can admire the storks and enjoy a picnic, making it the perfect outing for the whole family.
