Belvedere Langhe
Welcome to Belvedere Langhe
Hello friends, today I will talk about Belvedere Langhe, a small but charming municipality located in the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont. The village has about 350 inhabitants and is located in the Langhe region, about 44 kilometers from Cuneo. Its position on a hill allows for a spectacular view of the Alps, from the Maritime Alps to Monte Rosa.
An Ancient History
Belvedere Langhe has an ancient history dating back to 1162, when it was mentioned by the name “de bellovidere”, which later became “Belveer” in 1197. The village was part of the feuds of Saluzzo, Vacca and later Ferraris, Demagistris, Saraceno and Cordero. The Belvedere castle was a lookout tower built in the 14th century, but today only a few ruins remain due to the destruction caused by the wars of the 17th century.
In the 17th century, the village was united with the Duchy of Casa Savoia; then at the end of the 18th century, it suffered an invasion by Napoleon’s troops, which partially destroyed it. After the Congress of Vienna, Belvedere returned under the rule of Savoia and then became an Italian municipality in 1861, after the Unification of Italy. During World War II, the Nazi-fascist troops and partisans clashed here and some of the Belvedere houses served as a refuge for the partisans themselves.
Symbols and Monuments
The coat of arms and flag of the Municipality of Belvedere Langhe, which represent a rampant lion and a gear wheel, were granted in 1931 by royal decree. There are several religious and civil architectures in Belvedere, such as the Church of San Sebastiano, the Chapel of San Rocco, the Chapel of San Nicolao, the Chapel of Sant'Orsola and the Chapel of Assunta Maria. Additionally, there are also the Locatelli Palace, the Merla Farmhouse, and the ruins of the castle.
Society and Culture
From a demographic point of view, in the 1950s the village experienced a strong emigration to big cities, but over the years Belvedere has welcomed foreign immigrants employed in the local agricultural and industrial companies. Regarding culture, the village celebrates every year the feast of Saint Nicholas of Bari, the patron saint, and the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, held on the closest Sunday to August 15th and organized by the Proloco.
Conclusions
Belvedere Langhe is a quiet and charming village with an ancient history and an enviable position. Be sure not to miss the castle and the various religious and civil architectures, while during the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, you can enjoy a week of celebrations. If you are looking for a small Italian village to explore, Belvedere Langhe will not disappoint you!
