Cuneo and its valleys
Route 3 Discovering Alta Val Tanaro
This area is a meeting point for history and culture of Piedmont and Liguria,
where the strong sensations of the mountains are mitigated by the sea air in
this valley marked by the movements of peoples and commercial activity since the
pre-Roman days. At Nucetto,
Nucetto,
Perlo,
Nucetto,
Priola and Ormea you come across the
remains of castles alternating with those of ancient Saracen towers.
Departure point is always the town of Mondovi, with its artistic and
architectural treasures concentrated in the
district which is built on the top of a hill. From Mondovi you leave in
direction of Ceva (about 25 kilometers) and reach Garessio (another 25
kilometers),
known for its spa gardens and typical dishes with white chestnuts.
It is worth
visiting
the ancient medieval district and the sanctuary Nostra Signora delle Grazie di
Valsorda, built around 1400 as an oratory. In the second half of the 1600's
it was expanded to commemorate a miraculous event, and between 1901 and 1925 a
larger sanctuary with a grandiose cupola was constructed next to the ancient
one. (Opening hours: summer - everyday 08.30/18.00 hrs., winter - Saturdays and
Sundays 09.00/17.00 hrs. Information: tel. +39.0174.81318 (During the summer)
+39.0174.803499). Do not miss tasting the typical confectionery, Garessini.
In
Val Casotto, in the territory of the village of Garessio (about 12 kilometers)
you find Castello Reale. The actual construction, dating from the 11th century,
as is Certosa, was built during the 1700's on a design by Vittone. It became
property of the Savoia family in 1837. The prayers and labors of the Certosini
were substituted by the diversions of hunting at the court of Carlo Alberto, and
Vittorio Emanuele II made it his summer residence.
Inside there is prestigious
accommodation, such as the green room, with its baroque chairs, and the Camera della Musica. Worthy of attention are the lampshades, tapestries, doors and
paintings, especially the portrait of the Dama in Nero which is thought to be
attributed to Van Dyck or to his school. (Opening hours: 09.30/12.00 hrs and
14.00/19.00 hrs. - Information: tel. +39.0174.351131).
Further down in the
village of Pamparato you have the chance to taste typical products and Dolcetto
delle Langhe Monregalesi DOC (ref. Route 2). From Pamparato you can make a
deviation in the Mongia valley to reach the summer and winter tourist center of
Viola St. Gree. The
historical center of Ormea (about 11 kilometers from Garessio) is marked by
trevi (narrow roadways) and dotted with particular statues realized by noted
contemporary sculptors in black marble from a local quarry. Worthy of note is the
parish church of S. Martino which boasts gothic frescoes from the 1300's and
a painting of the crucifixion by Moncalvo.
The ancient town doorway is housed in
the splendid romanesque parish church bell-tower, dating from the 10th century.
We recommend a stop at the local restaurants which offer "polenta" with
buckwheat flour, mountain potatoes, "tultei" (large ravioli which are fried or
toasted on the stove) and fine cheeses from mountain pastures such as Sora,
Ormea and Raschera. A mention should be made to local wines: Ormeasco, Briga
Alta, Viozene and Upega from the higher part of the valley, which also provides
unforgettable mountain landscapes.
Courtesy of ATR Piedmont - Regione Piedmont
