Karst landscapes and natural history

The Marguareis limestone massif in the Ligurian Alps is home to one of Europe’s most important karst systems. From its 2,652-metre summit, the view stretches from Corsica to Monte Rosa. Since its establishment in 1978, Parco Naturale del Marguareis has protected a total of 7,900 hectares of alpine landscape in the upper Pesio and Tanaro valleys and in the municipalities of Chiusa Pesio, Briga Alta and Ormea.

Another geological discovery awaits you in the southern part of the lower Val Maira: there, 400 earth formations rise up in the shape of columns, topped with boulders. At Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime, natural history meets human history: the park preserves roads, paths and residences from the former royal hunting reserve of the Italian kings. The ibex from Gran Paradiso was also reintroduced here.

Trails on foot and by bike

Parco Fluviale Gesso e Stura has a green network of cycling and walking paths, as well as designated trails for hikes and bike rides. A 52-kilometre route starts in Cuneo and can be travelled on foot or by bike. Another option is a 15-kilometre former military road between Certosa di Pesio and Colle della Boaria. It runs through the landscape of Parco del Marguareis to Alta Via del Sale and can be travelled on foot, by mountain bike, e-bike or on horseback. The distance, starting point and available ways to travel give you different points of reference when planning your time outdoors.

Near Forte di Vinadio, a trail runs across three levels and is about ten kilometres long in total. At the park in Racconigi, the focus is on walks and picnics in the shade of old trees. In this way, longer routes and more relaxed stays in the green complement each other, without becoming a single, uniform hiking programme.

Museums, buildings and stages

In Cuneo, the Museo Civico in the monumental complex of San Francesco explores the history of the area from prehistoric times to the modern era. Museo Casa Galimberti is located in the former private home and professional studio of Tancredi Galimberti; it focuses on the history of the Galimberti family in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the oldest part of the city is Museo Diocesano San Sebastiano, which opened in 2012. It presents Cuneo’s history through the perspectives of devotion, art and urban development.

Castello della Manta was the residence of the Counts of Saluzzo della Manta for four centuries. The Sala Baronale features an outstanding cycle of late Gothic secular paintings. A wide selection of guided tours is available for individual visitors and groups; check the current visitor offerings before planning your visit. Museo del Setificio Piemontese offers a different insight into regional history as a permanent exhibition focus of Filatoio di Caraglio. Espaci Occitan is a showcase for Occitan culture and an interpretation centre for the area.

Theatre is also part of Cuneo’s cultural offering: Teatro Toselli presents a theatre season as well as additional performances outside its subscription programme. As individual performances may change, it is worth checking the dates if you have a specific visit in mind.

Cuisine and practical information

The cuisine of the Cuneo area makes use of local ingredients, including the alpine cheeses Raschera and Castelmagno DOP. Traditional artisanal preparations include filled pasta, cakes and biscuits made with wheat or Ottofile corn flour. Fiera Nazionale del Marrone di Cuneo is one of the historic food events celebrating local products and traditional dishes. Check the event dates when planning your visit.

For planned excursions, guided tours and nature activities, the Infopoint of Parco Fluviale Gesso e Stura at Piazzale Walther Cavallera 13 in Cuneo is the place to go for information and bookings. Paid activities can be booked online or there until 4 p.m. on the preceding business day, unless otherwise indicated. Check visitor and booking details before you arrive. Cuneo Airport is connected to Turin and Fossano by an Aerobus, with services coordinated with flight arrivals and departures. It is also advisable to check the timetable before travelling.

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For the overview of the wider region: Piedmont.