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Cuneo: The green heart city of Piedmont
Cuneo, located in the southwestern plateau of Piedmont, is a city of around 55,000 inhabitants. Its name derives from the shape of the land on which the city stands, a "cùneo" which has a characteristic wedge shape. Cuneo is an important center of the province of Cuneo and is best known for its strategic location on the border with France.
Physical geography
The territory of Cuneo is located in the heart of the Alps, in a central position relative to the Po Valley and a few kilometers from the hills of the Langhe. The city is located between the Grana and the streams of Demonte and Gesso. Thanks to the presence of the streams, a large city river park, the Gesso and Stura River Park, has been created, making Cuneo a true "green capital" of Piedmont.
Climate
The climate of Cuneo is sub-continental temperate, with cold winters and hot summers. However, the city is located at an altitude of over 500 meters, which makes summer more bearable thanks to ventilation. The warmest month, July, has an average temperature of 24°C, while the coldest, January, has an average of 3°C. Annual rainfall averages around 950 millimeters, distributed over 81 days. The rainfall regime is similar to that of Turin, with two peaks in spring and autumn and two lows in summer and winter.
Mountains
Cuneo is crossed by several mountains, including Colle dell'Agnello, Colle della Lombarda, Colle della Maddalena, Colle di Tenda, and Colla di Casotto. Thanks to its position on the Alps, Cuneo is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor sports such as skiing, mountaineering, and trekking.
What to see in Cuneo
Cuneo is a city rich in history and culture, with many places of interest to visit. One of the most suggestive places is the historic center, characterized by the typical checkerboard arrangement that originally had a defensive function against the French threat. In the historic center, you can find the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Bosco, a splendid example of Gothic architecture dating back to the 13th century.
Another very interesting attraction is the Palace of the Bishops, a 14th-century building that was the residence of the bishops of Cuneo until 1798. The Palace now houses the Civic Museum, where you can admire a vast collection of works of art and historical artifacts that tell the story of Cuneo and its territory.
Food and wine
Cuneo is also known for its cuisine, which is part of the Piedmont culinary tradition. Among the local specialties are "bagna càuda", a dish made with garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and anchovies, and "plin", agnolotti stuffed with meat. Moreover, the area is famous for its wines, including Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera.
How to get to Cuneo
Cuneo is easily accessible by car from Turin and Milan, through the A6 highway and the SS20 state road. By train, you can reach Cuneo railway station, which is connected to the stations of Turin and Ventimiglia. By plane, the nearest airport is Cuneo Levaldigi, which serves national and European flights.
Conclusion
Cuneo is a city that has a lot to offer: breathtaking nature, a rich culinary tradition, and a millennia-old culture. Thanks to its strategic location, Cuneo is also an ideal starting point to discover the beauties of Piedmont and the Alps. If you are looking for a destination for an active, cultural, and tasty vacation, Cuneo is the perfect choice.
