Oncino

Welcome to Oncino!

Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Oncino, a small town with just 87 inhabitants in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont. But don't be fooled by its size: this village has a lot to offer, especially for nature and history lovers.

Physical geography

Oncino is located in a privileged position, on the orographic right bank of the Po Valley, surrounded by mountains and bathed by the Lenta stream. And what about Monviso, the most famous mountain in the area, which dominates the view from every corner of the village? But it is not the only noteworthy mountain: there are also the Cima delle Lobbie, the Punta Rasciassa and the Testa di Cervetto. In short, a wonderland for trekking enthusiasts and outdoor sports.

Oncino: nature, history, and culture amongst the Piedmontese mountains.

History

But Oncino does not only offer natural beauty, there are also many historical traces to discover. For example, the Church of Santo Stefano, in the capital, is a beautiful example of religious architecture of the 15th century, with a Romanesque bell tower and a Gothic portal. Or the Madonna del Bel Fò, where you can admire a wooden chapel that commemorates the apparition of the Madonna to a shepherdess on the top of a beech tree.

Important buildings

But that's not all: if you pass by here, you cannot miss the Ricovero dell'Alpetto, a hospitality facility that dates back to 1872! Today it hosts a museum of the Italian Alpine Club and has been used in the past by famous climbers such as the Ghedina family. A lovely place where you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of the place.

Society

But unfortunately, there is a sad note: like many mountain villages, Oncino has undergone a strong depopulation. In one hundred years, starting from 1911, the population has decreased to one twentieth compared to past values. Nevertheless, the remaining community is very strong and carries on traditions and initiatives to keep this small jewel alive.

Administration

Oncino is part of the mountain community of Valli Po, Bronda, Infernotto and Varaita. An association that aims to promote and protect the natural and cultural beauties of the area, committing itself to offer services and infrastructure for tourists and residents.

Conclusions

So, I hope to have better acquainted you with the beautiful town of Oncino. If you have a few free days and want to get away from the city for a while, this could be the right place for you. We are waiting for you!

Irene Mariani
Wrote by Irene Mariani
Updated Sunday, Oct 30, 2022