Gaiola
Gaiola: a welcoming Piedmontese municipality
Gaiola is a charming Piedmontese municipality located in the province of Cuneo, with a population of 585 inhabitants. Its name derives from the Piedmontese ''Gajòla'' and Occitan ''Gaiola''. Its history is fascinating, and this municipality is known for its monuments and beautiful natural areas. In this text, we will tell you everything you need to know about Gaiola, including the fun boraciferous fumaroles and the evolution of the local society.
History
Gaiola has a very interesting history and dates back to 1292 AD, when it was mentioned in papal annals as "Castrum Cajole". In 1558, Gaiola was annexed to the Kingdom of France and became part of the province of Cuneo under the House of Savoy. During the eighteenth century, Gaiola experienced considerable development in terms of trade and agriculture thanks to its proximity to the city of Cuneo.
Symbols
Gaiola has its own coat of arms, depicting a black castle on a gold background, symbolizing the Castrum Cajole. The municipality also has its own flag, consisting of a red cross on a white background.
Monuments and places of interest
Gaiola is known for its beautiful monuments, including the parish church of San Bartolomeo Apostolo, built in the fifteenth century and renovated in the nineteenth century. In addition, there are several chapels in the village, such as the chapel of San Sebastiano and the chapel of San Bernardino.
Natural areas
Gaiola has a spectacular natural area, located on top of one of the surrounding mountains, known as "Balma della Gaiola". Here you can enjoy a suggestive and relaxing landscape.
Boraciferous fumaroles
Gaiola also boasts a unique geological wonder, the boraciferous fumaroles. These are holes in the ground, more or less large, from which hot air emerges. Here you can feel the heat emanating from the depths of the earth, breathe the fresh air and enjoy an unparalleled natural spectacle.
Society
Demographic evolution
In the 1950s, Gaiola experienced a demographic peak, with over 1000 inhabitants. However, over the years, the population has decreased and, in 2021, the number of residents is around 585. What makes the municipality special is the high quality of life and the welcoming social fabric.
Infrastructure and transport
Between 1914 and 1948, Gaiola was served by the Cuneo-Borgo San Dalmazzo-Demonte tramway. Today, the municipality is reachable through the 93 Cuneo-Vinadio line, managed by the Bus Company.
Administration
The municipality is administered by a civic list called "Working together for Gaiola", led by Mayor Paolo Bottero, who took office on May 27, 2019.
Other administrative information
The municipality of Gaiola was part of the Valle Stura Mountain Community, which allowed for integrated management of local resources and events.
Notes
Gaiola is a welcoming municipality full of natural and historical surprises. Its cultural heritage is a real gem to be discovered and experienced.
Other projects
For more information on Gaiola and its surrounding territory, we invite you to visit the municipality's website, where you will find all the details on activities and events organized throughout the year.
