Saluzzo
Discovering Saluzzo: a medieval city rich in culture and history
Saluzzo is a town located in the province of Cuneo in Piedmont, with a population of around 17,538. The city, called "Salusse" in Piedmontese and "Saluces" in French, was the capital of the Marquisate of Saluzzo for over four centuries, from 1142 to 1548, and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Saluzzo is located at the foot of the Monviso mountain range, at the opening of the Valle Po, Valle Bronda and Valle Varaita valleys, and is home to the Parco del Monviso.
The physical geography of Saluzzo
Saluzzo extends over a vast territory at the entrance of the Valle Po in the province of Cuneo and the Valle Varaita. However, the city is not part of the relevant Valli Po, Bronda, Infernotto and Varaita Valle Bronda mountain communities. Saluzzo borders Cardè, Torre San Giorgio, Moretta and Scarnafigi to the north, Lagnasco to the east, Manta to the south, and Revello and Pagno to the west. The city is surrounded by ancient walls and preserves the characteristics of different eras, representing a typical example of Piedmontese medieval architecture.
Historical and cultural facts about Saluzzo
Saluzzo has an important historical past as the capital of the Marquisate of Saluzzo, and the numerous testimonies of its rich and noble history confirm its role as a city of art. Among the prominent figures who have given prestige to Saluzzo, we can mention the writer Silvio Pellico and the typographer Giambattista Bodoni. More recently, General Carlo Alberto dalla Chiesa, assassinated by the mafia in 1982, was another important figure in the city.
The historic center of Saluzzo is well-preserved and features numerous religious and civic buildings, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Church of San Giovanni, the Cavassa House, the Civic Tower, and the Castle of Manta. The Saluzzo Cathedral, dating back to the 14th century, has undergone many modifications over the centuries, but has retained much of its original structure. The Church of San Giovanni, on the other hand, dates back to the 13th century and is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic monuments in Piedmont. The Cavassa House, an 18th-century noble residence, and the Civic Tower, dating back to the 14th century, are two other buildings of great interest in Saluzzo. Finally, the Castle of Manta, located a few kilometers from the city center, represents one of the most important examples of Alpine Gothic architecture.
Saluzzo: a city to discover
Saluzzo is a city that is worth visiting for its historical and cultural beauty. In 2017, the US daily "USA Today" included Saluzzo among the eleven Italian locations to visit before they are discovered by the mass tourism. The city is located about 30 km from Cuneo and 55 km from Turin and is easily accessible by car or public transport. If you are passionate about history, art, and culture, Saluzzo is definitely a destination for you.
The climate of Saluzzo
Saluzzo has a continental climate with cold and snowy winters and hot summers. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is 1.1°C, while that of the warmest month (July) is 21.8°C. The city is quite windy, and autumn and winter fogs are quite rare.
The origin of the name Saluzzo
The origins of the name Saluzzo are uncertain, but there are some interesting hypotheses. It is thought that the toponym may derive from the Ligurian tribe of the Maritime Alps called "Capillati," to whom the Italia (Roman era) would have given the name "Saliis." Later, the Lombard term "hutzen," meaning "huts," would have been added to the tribe. However, there are also other theories about the origin of the name Saluzzo that remain the subject of debate among scholars.
In conclusion, Saluzzo is a fascinating city rich in history and culture. If you have the opportunity to visit it, you can discover its architectural beauties and immerse yourself in its millennia-old history. The city awaits you with its welcoming Piedmontese atmosphere and its hospitable people.
