Caprauna
Caprauna: a small Piedmontese town with a rich history and culture
Caprauna is a small town located in the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont, with a population of only 94 inhabitants. However, this small place has a great cultural, historical, and naturalistic richness. In this article, we will talk about the main features of Caprauna and what makes it a fascinating place to visit.
Physical geography
Caprauna is located in the terminal part of Pennavaira, in the Ligurian Alps region, characterized by a mountainous and suggestive landscape. Caprauna and its neighboring municipality of Alto are the only two Piedmontese municipalities that do not belong to the Po Valley, but belong to the Piedmont Region.
History
The history of Caprauna dates back to the 11th century, when it was part of the possessions of Boniface del Vasto. Later, the territory passed to the Marquis of Clavesana, who feudalized it on July 25, 1320. In 1736, Caprauna passed to the Kingdom of Sardinia together with other Piedmontese fiefs.
Society
Caprauna has a population of only 94 inhabitants, but in recent years the population has decreased significantly. This is why the municipal administration has committed to a territorial and environmental recovery action, to encourage the cultivation of local turnips, thus increasing the opportunities for work and growth for the community.
Places of interest
Caprauna offers visitors numerous cultural and natural attractions, such as the numerous churches and chapels scattered throughout the territory. Among the main religious architectures are the parish church of Antonino di Apamea martyr, the oratory of San Bartolomeo, the chapel of San Rocco, the chapel of San Bernardo, the chapel of San Sebastiano, the chapel of the Madonna della neve, and the Sanctuary of the Assumption of Mary. Moreover, along the path to the Sanctuary of the Assumption, there is a very suggestive votive pillar.
Museums
The ethnographic museum of Caprauna was opened in 2000 and hosts a vast collection of objects and photographs documenting the peasant civilization of the town. Furthermore, there is a section concerning the prehistory of Val Pennavaira, made up of panels and casts, by the Laboratory of Historical and Social Anthropology of the Maritime Alps (LASA).
Culture
In autumn, the Rapa di Caprauna festival is an unmissable event that draws hundreds of visitors every year. During the festival, it is possible to taste various gastronomic preparations based on yellow pasta turnips, obtained from local cultivation. The turnip of Caprauna is a seasonal product that obtained the Slow Food Presidium in 2003, thanks to its unique organoleptic properties. This vegetable can be found in many shops and markets in the neighboring provinces of the production area.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Caprauna is a small Piedmontese town that offers visitors numerous cultural, natural, and gastronomic attractions. The history and culture of this place are rooted in its territory and in the identity of its inhabitants. A visit to Caprauna allows you to appreciate and better understand the beauties and traditions of the Piedmontese region, making this experience unforgettable.
