Niella Belbo
Niella Belbo: a gem in Piedmont
Society
Niella Belbo is an Italian municipality located in the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont. It has a population of 374 people and is located in the beautiful region of Alta Langa, renowned for its natural beauty and gastronomic delicacies.
Demographic evolution
Over the years, the population of Niella Belbo has remained relatively stable, with slight fluctuations. For example, in 1951, the municipality had 425 inhabitants, while in the subsequent survey of 1961 the population was 384 people. In recent decades, the number of inhabitants has remained fairly constant, around 370-380.
Buildings and places of interest
Despite its small size, Niella Belbo is home to some extremely interesting historical and cultural buildings.
Religious architecture
The Church of San Giorgio and Madonna della Neve is the parish church of Niella Belbo. It has been documented since the end of the sixteenth century, but its current appearance is the result of a nineteenth-century restoration. The church houses some valuable works of art, including an eighteenth-century Madonna of the Rosary and a painting of San Giorgio dated 1789.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Monti is another religious building of great historical and cultural importance. Built between 1710 and 1750, the project is attributed to the architect Francesco Gallo. The sanctuary houses a statue of the Madonna and her child dating back to the thirteenth century. It is said that the statue is miraculous and saved the village from the plague epidemic of the eighteenth century.
The Chapel of San Bernardino dates back to 1664 and is located next to the Church of San Giorgio. The chapel is known for its decorations and frescoes, made in the seventeenth century.
The Monumental Cross of Niella Belbo is another interesting religious attraction to visit. Built in 1900 in honor of Jesus Christ the Redeemer, the cross is not far from the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Monti.
Civil architecture
The medieval arch known as "dei francesi" was the ancient gateway to the village of Niella Belbo and represents a beautiful example of medieval architecture in Piedmont. The arch was built in the thirteenth century and connects the main square of the village to the Church of San Giorgio.
The medieval tower of Niella Belbo is another testimony to ancient medieval architecture. The tower is located in the historic center of the village and is part of a now disappeared castle. The tower has recently been restored and can be visited during the day.
Administration
Niella Belbo is governed by the mayor and the council, who are elected every five years. The table below shows the names of the administrations that have succeeded in the municipality.
Other administrative information
The municipality of Niella Belbo was part of the Alta Langa and Langa delle Valli Bormida e Uzzone mountain community, but since January 1, 2019, it has been merged with the municipality of Levice.
Notes
Niella Belbo is also famous for its potato, the potato of the Alta Valle Belbo, an ancient variety that stands out for its elongated shape and unique flavor. This potato is very widespread in the restaurants of the area and is often used in the preparation of typical dishes from Piedmont.
Related voices
Niella Belbo is part of the Alta Langa, a region known for its natural beauty and gastronomy. Surrounding municipalities, such as Murazzano and Loazzolo, also offer many interesting tourist attractions to visit.
Other projects
For more information on Niella Belbo and its tourist attractions, it is recommended to visit the municipality's website or contact the local tourist office.
