Autumn, time to organize long weekends to discover the beauty of the Piedmont area
One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Saluzzo, perhaps less known than other more famous towns in the province of Cuneo, such as Alba or Bra, also famous for the Alba International Truffle Fair, but which hides priceless treasures, which are worth discovering, perhaps during a weekend away from city chaos.
Located at the foot of Monviso, one of the most beautiful mountains in Europe (legend has it that the Monviso could be the mountain depicted in the Paramount promos, the famous American film production company) Saluzzo is a lively and welcoming town where it is possible organize some cultural and gastronomic stops.
Saluzzo is easily reachable from Turin by car or by public transport. For those without a car: bus that leaves from the square in front of Torino Esposizioni (corso Massimo d’Azeglio in Turin) and arrives in the center of Saluzzo, or by train from Turin Porta Nuova station.
What see
Villa Bricherasio Botanical Garden
Magnificent aquatic plants such as the Victoria amazonica, the only specimens in Italy to be cultivated in the open air. And right here in Saluzzo, thanks to a particular microclimate, we find more than 2 thousand different species (about 20 thousand specimens) distributed on 12 thousand square meters. The park is divided into three areas phyto-climatic: The Mediterranean flora, the cold temperate zone and the continental one.
All this was done by Domenico Montevecchi, botanist expert, who since the 1970s has been cultivating rare species of flowers and plants. Enter this earthly paradise and be amazed.
Domenico Montevecchi, via Giovanni Battista Bodoni 88. For info and opening times 340.8054313.
Castle of Manta di Saluzzo
An imposing medieval fortress stands out on the horizon, with the Monviso backdrop, and it is difficult not to notice this mountain if you come from these parts because, literally, it pierces the screen.
The Roccaforte, born as a military outpost in the thirteenth century, underwent an important transformation in the fifteenth century and, thanks to the regent of the Marquisate of Saluzzo, Valerano, was transformed into a magnificent family home.
We cannot go to Saluzzo without planning a visit to the Castello della Manta (open to the public until 8/12/2019) to admire the frescoes in the Baronial Hall, an excellent example of chivalrous culture of the time.
The Castle was donated to Fai (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) in 1985 by Elisabetta De Rege Provana.
Via De Rege Thesauro 5, Manta (Cn); visiting hours 10-18.
Where to sleep
San Giovanni Resort
Here's where to sleep: an ancient fifteenth-century monastery (dated 1466) admiring the frescoed ceilings of the fifteenth century. The Relais is located in the historic center of Saluzzo, isolated from the rest of the town of Saluzzo, to get here you need the hotel pass. Then a unique experience awaits you, dream in one of the frescoed rooms (15 in total, including the two suites), stroll through the ancient Cloister and maybe take advantage of the excellent restaurant that is inside the structure.
Booking required 0175 45420.
Where to eat
One of the best pizzas in Italy can be eaten right in Saluzzo, from Divine taste by Massimiliano Prete, former pastry chef, lecturer at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo. High quality light mixtures and toppings, with a great selection of raw materials. Very recommended booking.
Piazza Cavour 21, telephone 017542444.
In Sanfront, a few km from Saluzzo, Agriturismo i Burghin, in via Bric Carle 12. A beautiful stone and wood structure, a large window to admire the view and to capture the light on gloomy days. Traditional cuisine, quality products in an informal environment. We recommend booking.
Open from Thursday to Monday, only for dinner from 20 to 23.
Greedy purchases
Cascina Verdesole in Piasco (Cn), a family-run company specializing in the preparation of fruit and vegetable preserves. Their own is famous Apple Cugnà of Val Varaita, a typical product, perfect to accompany cheeses, but also mixed boiled meat, it is prepared with grape must, figs, quince, pears and dried fruit.
From the round apricots of Costigliole di Saluzzo fabulous fruit juices or jams are produced, with peaches one of the most popular Piedmontese desserts: peaches, cocoa and amaretti. Try their apple vinegar aged in oak barrels.
Via Provinciale Sampeyre 23, Piasco (Cn).
Not to be missed, in Piazza XX Settembre 6, i Franco Parola cheese, one of the most famous and competent Affineur of Italy, with a unique selection of Piedmontese Alpine cheeses. The competence and preparation of the Word are recognized throughout the Bel Paese. From him you can buy almost impossible to find cheeses like Plaisentif, the Seirass del Fen della Val Pellice, sublime goat cheeses (from the Maira, Sangone and Elvo valleys). We talk about more than 300 types of cheese. The paradise of the greedy.
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