Chiusa di Pesio
Welcome to Chiusa di Pesio!
Hello everyone! Today I'll be talking about a beautiful Piedmontese municipality, Chiusa di Pesio, also known as La Ciusa in Piedmontese, or La Clusa in Occitan language. Chiusa di Pesio is a municipality of 3609 inhabitants located in the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont.
Physical geography
The capital of the city is located at the entrance of the Pesio Valley. Along the valley, the municipal territory varies in altitude from 575 meters of the capital to over 2600 meters of the highest peaks. The main hamlets are S. Bartolomeo and Vigna, located in the highest part of the Valley, and Combe, S. Maria Rocca and Abrau, which instead are towards the plain. There are also numerous smaller hamlets, especially upstream of the capital. Chiusa di Pesio is crossed by the Pesio stream which originates from the Pis source at about 1500 meters. The capital is located between two hills, Monte Cavanero and Mombrisone. On Monte Cavanero there are the ruins of the Mirabello castle, while on the hill there is a nineteenth-century hunting lodge. In the hilly area of the municipality there is also Lake of Pianfei, on the border with the territory of Pianfei. Chiusa di Pesio is 15 km away from Cuneo and the nearest motorway exit is that of Mondovì, located about 20 kilometers south of Cuneo.
History
The area around Chiusa Pesio was already inhabited in protohistoric times. On Monte Cavanero a necropolis used between the 11th century BC and the 9th century BC was found. The area was then fortified in Roman times and remained frequented even in the Middle Ages. After the mid-sixteenth century, the pre-existing structures were dismantled by Agamennone III, lord of Chiusa, to build a more modern castle, which today is only partially visible.
The extra-urban line to Chiusa Pesio
Chiusa di Pesio was connected to Cuneo with a trolleybus network, the extra-urban line to Chiusa Pesio, 17 km long, which was activated on September 20, 1909. It was completed up to Chiusa Pesio on August 1, 1912, and suppressed on December 31, 1957, due to low traffic.
The symbols
The municipal coat of arms of Chiusa di Pesio was recognized by decree of the Head of Government Prime Minister Secretary of State on March 31, 1943.
Monuments and places of interest
The historic center is full of historic buildings. The brotherhoods of S. Rocco and the S.S. Annunziata date back to the period between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The parish church, inaugurated in 1893, has a Roman travertine facade completed in 1934, and the bell tower is one of the tallest in the province, completely raised only in 1971. The Marquis's palace is the current seat of the town hall where you can admire a permanent photographic exhibition, containing images taken by Michele Pellegrino, with the flowers of the Pesio Valley.
Conclusions
Here is a brief overview of what Chiusa di Pesio has to offer! A charming valley with numerous local attractions, breathtaking landscapes, a rich history, and an interesting cultural heritage. If you have the opportunity, do not miss the chance to visit this fascinating city in Piedmont!
