Cuneo

Arcaded boulevards and Alpine air frames a deliciously slow pace of life in Cuneo

Cradled between the Stura and Gesso rivers and backed by the soaring Maritime Alps, Cuneo is a city of grand piazzas, sweeping porticoes and proud Piedmontese spirit. Its elegant avenues are lined with honey-hued arcades that shelter bustling cafés and gelaterias, while its leafy squares hum with a distinctly Italian rhythm. From mountain-fresh air to markets piled high with local delicacies, Cuneo blends Alpine charm with timeless Italian grace.

Things to do

LANDMARKS
Begin your exploration in Piazza Galimberti – the beating heart of the city – surrounded by palazzi and alive with the buzz of daily life. Stroll along the Via Roma and its shaded porticoes, pausing to admire baroque façades and intricate frescoes. Step inside the hushed stillness of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Bosco, a 17th-century masterpiece with spectacular interiors, before wandering further to discover the smaller churches and quiet courtyards that reveal Cuneo’s layered history.

FOOD & DRINK
Cuneo is famed for its gastronomy. At the city’s lively markets you’ll find chestnuts, mushrooms, mountain cheeses and wines from the nearby Langhe hills. But the jewel in the crown has to be the Cuneesi al Rhum – chocolate truffles laced with rum – a local specialty that has enticed visitors for generations. In the evening, take your seat at a trattoria beneath the arcades to savour dishes such as agnolotti del plin (a traditional stuffed pasta) or game stews slow-cooked in Barolo. Each meal is a celebration of Piedmont’s bounty, best paired with gentle candlelight and good company.

HISTORY
Founded in the 12th century as a defensive stronghold on its wedge-shaped plateau, Cuneo has always been a city of resilience. Its very name – meaning ‘wedge’ – reflects its unique position between two rivers. Over centuries it grew into a flourishing centre of trade and culture. Visit in autumn to experience the annual Fiera Nazionale del Marrone, one of Italy’s most beloved chestnut festivals, when the streets fill with music, markets and the tantalising aroma of roasted nuts drifting through the crisp Alpine air.