Castellar
Saluzzo: a medieval village in the heart of Piedmont
Saluzzo is a charming Piedmontese town located in the province of Cuneo, boasting a long history and rich culture. With its 17538 inhabitants, Saluzzo is an ideal place for tourists looking for an authentic experience.
Physical Geography
Located at the foot of Monviso, Saluzzo is a town that encompasses a vast area, with access to the Po Valley and the Varaita Valley. Being already in a semi-flat area, Saluzzo is not part of the corresponding mountain community Valli Po, Bronda, Infernotto and Varaita Valle Bronda. The city borders several localities, including Cardè, Torre San Giorgio, Moretta, Scarnafigi, Lagnasco, Manta, Revello and Pagno.
History and culture
Saluzzo was the capital of the Marchesato di Saluzzo for over four centuries, from 1142 to 1548. The city still retains the characteristics of Piedmontese medieval architecture, with ancient walls enclosing the historic center. Saluzzo offers numerous examples of art and architecture, testifying to its noble and rich past.
In addition, Saluzzo has been the birthplace of many noteworthy figures, including the writer Silvio Pellico, the typographer Giambattista Bodoni, and the general Carlo Alberto dalla Chiesa, who was killed by the mafia in 1982.
Climate
Saluzzo's climate is continental, with little haze and fog in the autumn and winter months, snowy precipitation in winter, and mild temperatures in spring. Summer is particularly hot, but the fresh air coming from Monviso helps to mitigate the temperatures.
Origin of the name
The origins of Saluzzo's name are lost in history, but it is presumed that the city has Roman and Ligurian origins. The toponym could derive from ''Saliis,'' a name given by the Italia around the 2nd century BC to a pre-existing population of Ligurian people from the Maritime Alps. To the tribe, the Germanic-Lombard term ''hutzen,'' meaning ''huts,'' was added.
Tourism in Saluzzo
Saluzzo is an ideal destination for tourists looking for an authentic and immersive experience. The city offers numerous places of cultural interest, including the Castello della Manta, the Church of San Giovanni, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Furthermore, Saluzzo's historic center is a true gem, with its medieval streets and ancient palaces.
Although it was not chosen as Italian Capital of Culture, Saluzzo remains an unmissable destination for tourists looking for an authentic experience. In 2017, the US newspaper ''USA Today'' included Saluzzo among the eleven Italian localities to visit before they are discovered by mass tourism.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Saluzzo is a Piedmontese town that has much to offer to tourists looking for an authentic and fascinating destination. With its long history and rich culture, Saluzzo is an ideal place to discover the beauty of Piedmont and immerse oneself in the medieval atmosphere of an enchanting village.
