The province of Cuneo is in the far south west of the region of Piedmont and covers an area of 6,903 sq.km. It borders the country of France to the west, the province of Torino to the north, the province of Asti to the east and to the south it borders the region of Liguria. Cuneo is the third largest province in the whole of Italy and is often referred to as the 'Provincia Granda'.
Around three quarters of this province is mountainous and hilly but in spite of this it has a strong agricultural economy. There are also several large businesses based there including the famous chocolate company Ferrero which is in the city of Alba.
The capital city of the province is Cuneo with the second city being Alba.
Other main towns in the province of Cuneo are:
Cuneo Province, located in the southwestern corner of the Piedmont region in Italy, is a land of contrasts and beauty. Known for its dramatic landscapes, including the towering Alps, verdant valleys, and rolling vineyards, Cuneo offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and gastronomy. Nicknamed "La Granda", Cuneo is one of Italy’s largest provinces by area and boasts a variety of attractions—from medieval villages and ancient castles to world-class cuisine and famous wines. Whether you are seeking outdoor adventure, historical exploration, or a culinary journey, Cuneo provides an immersive experience into the heart of Italy’s Piedmont.
The history of Cuneo Province is as diverse as its geography. Founded in 1198, the city of Cuneo was originally established as a defensive stronghold on a plateau at the confluence of the Stura and Gesso rivers. Throughout its history, Cuneo and its surrounding areas have been at the crossroads of Italian, French, and Savoyard influences, as the province lies near the border with France.
During the Middle Ages, Cuneo was contested by various powers, including the House of Savoy, the French kings, and local feudal lords. The area saw significant military action during these times, evidenced by the many forts, castles, and fortified towns that remain today. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the province became a part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and later the unified Kingdom of Italy, cementing its role in Italian history.
Today, the province’s history is visible in its architecture, festivals, and cultural heritage, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.
Cuneo Province is famed for its stunning natural landscapes, which range from the high peaks of the Maritime Alps to the gentle hills of Langhe and Roero. These diverse environments make Cuneo a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, cycling, and exploring nature.
The Maritime Alps form a spectacular natural boundary between Italy and France and are a major draw for adventurers. The Parco Naturale Alpi Marittime is one of the largest and most important protected areas in the region, offering hiking trails, pristine lakes, and wildlife such as ibex, chamois, and golden eagles. The Valle Gesso and Valle Stura are particularly popular for trekking and mountaineering, while in the winter, the area transforms into a skiing hub, with resorts like Limone Piemonte offering excellent snow sports.
The rolling hills of Langhe and Roero, located in the northern part of Cuneo Province, are celebrated for their breathtaking vineyards and UNESCO World Heritage status. This area produces some of Italy’s most famous wines, including Barolo, Barbaresco, and Dolcetto. Visitors can take scenic drives through the hills, stopping at charming villages such as La Morra, Barolo, and Alba to sample wines and enjoy the picturesque countryside.
One of the most unspoiled valleys in the region, Valle Maira is a hidden gem for nature lovers. Known for its remote mountain paths, alpine lakes, and traditional stone villages, Valle Maira offers a peaceful escape from more tourist-heavy areas. It’s a prime spot for hiking, with trails like the Percorsi Occitani, which explore the valley’s rich Occitan culture and historical roots.
Cuneo Province is dotted with medieval towns, ancient abbeys, and castles that provide a window into its past. These villages retain their old-world charm and are often set against stunning backdrops of mountains or vineyards.
The town of Saluzzo, once the capital of the Marquisate of Saluzzo, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in northern Italy. Its narrow, cobblestone streets, Gothic-style architecture, and impressive defensive walls make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Notable landmarks include the Castiglia, a medieval castle that now houses a museum, and the Cathedral of Saluzzo, with its stunning Renaissance façade.
The Forte di Vinadio is an imposing 19th-century fortress built by the Savoy family to protect the area from French invasion. Perched high in the mountains, the fortress offers not only a fascinating look into military history but also breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine landscape. Today, the fort serves as a cultural center, hosting exhibitions and events.
Located in the heart of the fertile plain near the Po River, the Abbazia di Staffarda is a beautiful Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century. The abbey complex includes the church, cloister, and medieval farmhouses, all set in a peaceful rural environment. Visitors can explore the Gothic architecture, admire the frescoes, and learn about the abbey’s role in medieval agricultural production.
Cuneo Province is a food lover’s paradise, home to some of Italy’s most celebrated gastronomic products. From truffles to cheese, and chocolate to wines, the region offers a wealth of culinary delights.
Perhaps the most famous product of Cuneo’s Langhe area is the White Truffle of Alba, one of the world’s most prized culinary delicacies. Truffle hunting is a time-honored tradition in the region, and the Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco d’Alba (Alba White Truffle Fair), held every autumn, attracts chefs and food lovers from all over the world. Visitors can join truffle-hunting excursions, attend cooking demonstrations, and taste dishes featuring this aromatic ingredient.
Cuneo is also known for its excellent cheeses, many of which are made from the milk of cows and goats grazing in the pristine mountain pastures. Castelmagno, a semi-hard blue cheese with a distinctive flavor, is one of the most renowned cheeses from the province, often served with honey or used in risotto. Raschera and Toma Piemontese are other local cheeses that are beloved for their rich, creamy textures.
The Langhe hills are not only famous for wine but also for hazelnuts, which are used to make the region's famous gianduja chocolate. The combination of hazelnuts and chocolate is most famously seen in Nutella, which originated in Piedmont. Local pasticcerie (pastry shops) in Alba and other towns often sell torrone (nougat) and baci di dama (hazelnut cookies) as well.
Wine lovers flock to Cuneo to taste some of Italy's finest vintages. Barolo and Barbaresco, made from the Nebbiolo grape, are two of the most prestigious wines produced in the Langhe. These bold, complex reds are often described as the "king" and "queen" of Italian wines and are sought after by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. Other notable wines include Dolcetto, Barbera d'Alba, and the sweet Moscato d'Asti.
Visitors can explore the region's many wineries through organized wine tours or by visiting family-run vineyards, where they can sample wines and learn about traditional winemaking methods.
Cuneo Province is alive with festivals and cultural events that reflect its rich traditions, history, and food culture.
Cuneo's Fiera del Marrone is one of the province's most important autumn festivals, celebrating the local chestnut harvest. Held annually in October, the event features market stalls selling roasted chestnuts, local produce, and artisanal goods, as well as music and street performances. The festival highlights the agricultural traditions of the province and provides an opportunity to taste some of the finest seasonal products.
In the valleys of the Cuneo Alps, the local Occitan culture is still alive, and many towns celebrate with traditional music and dance festivals. These events often include performances of la courenta, a traditional Occitan dance, and showcase folk music played on ancient instruments like the hurdy-gurdy and bagpipes. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the region’s deep-rooted cultural heritage.
Cuneo Province is a destination that appeals to all the senses, offering breathtaking natural beauty, a wealth of historical treasures, and some of the best food and wine in Italy. Whether you're hiking through the Maritime Alps, exploring medieval towns, or indulging in truffles and Barolo wine, Cuneo provides an authentic and unforgettable Italian experience. For travelers seeking a place where history, nature, and gastronomy converge, Cuneo Province is a must-visit destination in the heart of Piedmont.
| High | Low | Sun | Rain | |
| Jan | 11 | 2 | 3 | 55 |
| Feb | 12 | 3 | 4 | 53 |
| Mar | 14 | 4 | 5 | 63 |
| Apr | 18 | 7 | 6 | 55 |
| May | 22 | 11 | 8 | 35 |
| Jun | 26 | 15 | 9 | 44 |
| Jul | 29 | 17 | 10 | 34 |
| Aug | 29 | 17 | 9 | 54 |
| Sep | 25 | 14 | 7 | 61 |
| Oct | 21 | 11 | 6 | 74 |
| Nov | 16 | 8 | 4 | 71 |
| Dec | 12 | 3 | 3 | 77 |
| Table Key: High - Average monthly high temperatures Low - Average monthly low temperatures Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm |
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