Cuneo in 3 Days: Itinerary of Villages and Castles from Saluzzo to the Langhe

Our itinerary Villages and Castles of Cuneo begins right here, in the historic center of Saluzzo. Casa Cavassa is not just a museum, but a noble residence from the fifteenth century that welcomes you with its porticoed courtyard and frescoed halls. Entering Via San Giovanni 5, you'll discover period furnishings, paintings by Piedmontese masters, and the famous Madonna della Misericordia by Hans Clemer. Each room tells the story of the Cavassa family, who left their mark on Saluzzo's history. It's the ideal starting point to immerse yourself in the city's medieval atmosphere before continuing to other treasures of the region.

The second stop of the first day brings us to La Castiglia, the imposing fortress that towers over Saluzzo's historic center. This massive red-brick structure, located on Via San Lorenzo, stands as one of the city's most recognizable symbols. Built in the 13th century as the residence of the Marquises of Saluzzo, the fortress has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, even serving as a prison until 1992. Today it houses the Museum of Chivalric Civilization and the Prison Memory Museum, offering a journey through local history. Climbing the towers rewards visitors with an exceptional panoramic view of the city and the Cottian Alps, while the interior rooms preserve period frescoes and furnishings that recount the story of medieval courtly life.

After exploring La Castiglia, we move just a few steps along Via San Giovanni to admire the Saluzzo Civic Tower, one of the city's most iconic symbols. This 48-meter-high bell tower dates back to the 15th century and stands imposingly in the heart of the historic center. Originally part of the city's defensive system, it is now open to the public: climbing its 150 steps leads to the bell chamber, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Cottian Alps and the city's terracotta rooftops. The tower, with its still-functioning mechanical clock, tells centuries of Saluzzo's history, from the marquisates to urban transformations. It is a privileged vantage point for understanding Saluzzo's medieval layout and appreciating its strategic position between the plain and the mountains.

Leaving the Civic Tower on Via San Giovanni behind us, we venture into the oldest core of Saluzzo to visit the Olivero Art Gallery, located on Salita al Castello. This museum is dedicated to the Saluzzo-born painter Davide Olivero, active between the 19th and 20th centuries, and houses an extensive collection of his works. The paintings range from portraits to landscapes, with particular attention to views of the Langhe and Cottian Alps, capturing the light and colors of the Cuneo territory. The gallery is housed in a historic palace, where the intimate atmosphere allows visitors to appreciate the artist's technique and sensitivity. It's an ideal stop for those wanting to delve deeper into local culture beyond the castles, immersing themselves in an art that tells the story of Piedmont with sincere and evocative brushstrokes.

The second day of our itinerary takes us to the Castle of Manta, located in the namesake village just a few kilometers from Saluzzo. This 14th-century manor, once belonging to the Marquises of Saluzzo, preserves one of the most important pictorial cycles in Piedmont: the Baronial Hall with frescoes by the Master of Manta. The walls narrate chivalric tales through the depiction of the Nine Worthies and the Nine Heroines, allegorical figures of great visual impact. The internal chapel, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, completes the experience with 15th-century frescoes from the Piedmontese school. The castle, managed by FAI, also features an Italian-style garden offering a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. It is an exceptional testimony to the art and history of the Cuneo area.

Leaving behind more worldly atmospheres, Staffarda Abbey reveals itself as an oasis of spirituality and history. Founded in 1135 by Cistercian monks, this monastic complex represents one of the best-preserved examples of Romanesque-Gothic architecture in Piedmont. The abbey church, with its sober facade and three-nave interior, still maintains the essentiality typical of the Cistercian order. The 13th-century cloister, with its elegant arches and central well, invites meditation and contemplation. Particularly interesting is the refectory, where you can admire 14th-century frescoes depicting biblical stories. The guesthouse and monastic quarters complete the visit, showing how the monks who resided here lived. The abbey, located in the plain of Revello, dominates a territory rich in cultivated fields, maintaining that isolation the Cistercians sought for their contemplative life.

After the spirituality of Staffarda, Grinzane Cavour Castle offers a more earthly experience deeply connected to Piedmont's food and wine culture. This perfectly preserved medieval fortress dominates the hills of Gallo d'Alba with its imposing square-plan structure and corner towers. Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour resided here as mayor in the 19th century, during which time he experimented with innovative agricultural techniques. Today the castle houses the Piedmont Regional Wine Cellar with over 300 labels and the Ethnographic Museum that tells the story of local peasant life. The Hall of Trusses, with its original 15th-century wooden ceiling, hosts events and tastings. From the terrace, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Nebbiolo vineyards surrounding the property, offering a preview of the Langhe's beauty to be discovered the following day.

The third day of the itinerary begins with an unmissable stop for wine lovers: the WIMU Wine Museum in Barolo. Housed within the Castello Falletti, this interactive museum offers an engaging journey through the wine history of the Langhe region. Multimedia installations guide visitors on a path that starts with the vine and ends with the bottle, explaining production techniques and local traditions. The historic barrel room preserves specimens dating back to the nineteenth century, while the olfactory stations allow you to recognize the characteristic aromas of Nebbiolo. From the panoramic terrace, you can admire an unparalleled view of the surrounding hills, where the famous Barolo DOCG is born. An experience that uniquely combines culture, technology, and landscape.

The third day of our itinerary brings us to Serralunga d'Alba Castle, one of the best-preserved examples of 14th-century fortified architecture in Piedmont. This majestic fortress towers over the hill of Serralunga, with its cylindrical tower standing out against the Langhe sky. Built between 1340 and 1357 by the Falletti family, the structure features a rare rectangular layout with corner towers, different from contemporary castles in the area. Climbing its five floors reveals original spaces like the guard room and dungeons, while the windows offer breathtaking panoramic views over the Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards. The unique feature of this castle is the absence of moats and drawbridges, indicating its more residential than defensive function. Today it is state-owned and open year-round, offering an authentic immersion into Piedmontese medieval history.

We conclude our itinerary at the Royal Castle of Racconigi, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 as part of the circuit of Savoy Residences. This complex stands out for its dual soul: on one hand, the original medieval structure from the 10th century, and on the other, the 18th-century transformations commissioned by Guarino Guarini. The interiors preserve original furnishings of the Savoy-Carignano family, including the bedroom of Charles Albert and the Hall of Honour with Neoclassical frescoes. The true treasure is the landscape park spanning 170 hectares, designed by Xavier Kurten with ponds, small temples, and a still-functioning 19th-century model farm. Here, visitors can admire rare botanical species and observe storks nesting on the towers—a unique example of the coexistence of history and nature.