A Stroll Through the Monregalese Region

 Discover this area of Piedmont, in the Province of Cuneo.

The Langa Monregalese unfolds on both sides of the Tanaro River, amid villages steeped in the charm of ancient rural traditions. This area stretches from Dogliani towards the Ligurian Alps and is renowned for the cultivation of Dolcetto grapes, from which the Dolcetto delle Langhe Monregalesi wine is produced.

This is a stunning and richly diverse land where everything seems to come together: mountains, endless rolling hills, valleys, rivers, streams, forests, mountain huts, art cities, churches, sanctuaries, museums, and frescoed Romanesque and Gothic chapels. Noteworthy among its natural wonders are three accessible caves: Bossea, Caudano, and Dossi. This land has an endless history, with hidden traditions in every corner, wrapped in an aura of unmatched beauty. The area also boasts a thriving artisan tradition, particularly focused on agriculture, wood and ironwork, and high-quality food production.

A small flat area lies between Cuneo and Carrù, while a more mountainous section spans from the Vermenagna Valley to the Tanaro River and the Piedmont-Liguria watershed. The name Monregalese derives from the ancient name of Mondovì: Mons Regalis.

The Valli Monregalesi stretch across approximately 35,000 hectares, encompassing five valleys: Casotto, Corsaglia, Ellero, Maudagna, and Roburentello.


Tourism plays a vital role in the local economy, offering a wealth of cultural and sporting attractions. Particularly interesting is the archaeological site of Montaldo di Mondovì, inhabited by the Ligurians since the 11th century BC and later occupied by the Roman Empire. Evidence from that era includes two inscribed slabs in the church of San Rocco, and excavations near the medieval castle have uncovered remains dating from the 4th century AD and the 2nd century of the Iron Age.

In the municipality of Roccaforte Mondovì, you’ll find the Lurisia Thermal Baths, a renowned spa resort active since the 1940s.

The Valli Monregalesi have long been a land of trade and transit, dotted with centuries-old beech and chestnut trees, pastures, and panoramic ridges.

The area surrounding Mondovì is a true treasure trove of artistic and natural wonders, offering visitors unforgettable experiences. Not to be missed are the nearby Sanctuary of Vicoforte; the enchanting Royal Castle of Casotto in the municipality of Garessio (Cuneo); and the Castle of Mombasiglio, a medieval fortress that housed Napoleon’s troops in 1796 during the Italian campaign of 1796–1797.

The city of Mondovì lies between mountains, hills, and plains, and is particularly famous for its artistic heritage.

Highlights of Mondovì

  • The Belvedere Civic Tower, a historic symbol of the city, stands at the top of the hill in the Piazza district, the highest point of Mondovì. Built in the 14th century in Gothic style, it was modified in later centuries. It stands 29.10 metres tall, featuring ogival windows and battlements. As a plaque recalls, in 1762 the physicist Giovanni Battista Beccaria used it as a trigonometric point to determine the length of a meridian arc.

  • The Governor’s Palace, with its pointed arches and terracotta-framed upper windows, once housed the Savoy ruling power. From the 15th century, its façade was painted with various coats of arms and emblems of the governors and noble families who ruled the city.

  • The Old Town Hall, located in Piazza Maggiore, has been the seat of the municipality since the late 12th century. It was redesigned in the 17th century by the Lugano-born architect Giovanni Goano, and again in the 18th century, when the stone columns of the portico and sgraffito-decorated stringcourses were added. The western façade’s terracotta decorations date from the 15th century. On the second floor is the “Hall of Coats of Arms”.

  • Palazzo Fauzone, a medieval building from the 12th century located in Piazza Maggiore and built by the noble Fauzone family, now houses the Ceramics Museum of Piazza, the oldest district of Mondovì. According to tradition, the town was founded in 1198 by a group of Vicoforte residents fleeing feudal oppression. Near the Ellero River, the new town of Monte Regale was established, with a porticoed square (now Piazza Maggiore) at its heart. Mondovì Piazza still preserves its original urban layout. From here, one can enjoy a beautiful panoramic walk along part of the old city walls.

  • Carassone Gate is the only one of the city's original three gates that survives today, albeit modified during the Baroque period.

  • The Palace of Justice, formerly a Jesuit college, is particularly notable for the twelve sundials painted on its southern façade, arranged over three levels and enclosed in Baroque frames.

  • The Mondovì Funicular, built in 1886 to link the districts of Breo and Piazza, operated until 1975. It was fully renovated in 2006.

  • The Cathedral of San Donato, built in 1743 in Baroque style, has a sandstone façade and is rich in outstanding artworks. It was completed in 1753 and consecrated on 4 September 1763.

  • The Church of San Francesco Saverio, also known as the “Church of the Mission”, was begun on 14 May 1665, designed by Giovenale Boetto. Its sandstone façade opens into a single nave richly decorated with paintings by the extraordinary artist Andrea Pozzo.

  • The Chapel of Santa Croce is a small, ancient church dating back to the early 13th century, with its central part from the 14th century, adorned with Gothic fresco cycles.

  • The Church of Santa Chiara, built between 1712 and 1724 to a design by Francesco Gallo, stands on the site of a previous church. Its concave façade is especially intriguing. Though now deconsecrated and owned by the municipality, the richly decorated interior showcases the skill of unknown but highly talented artists.

  • The Church and Convent of Nostra Donna were built between 1470 and 1480 on the site of an ancient oratory dedicated to Santa Maria delle Grazie. The church was consecrated on 21 September 1535.

  • San Rocco delle Carceri is a small hexagonal Renaissance chapel named for its proximity to a former prison. It was built between 1630 and 1640 as a votive offering by the local population and is no longer used for worship.

  • The Synagogue, begun in 1774, is a Neoclassical building comprising four rooms: the celebration hall, a classroom, a veranda terrace, and the women’s gallery. Lavishly furnished, it retains baroque wooden furniture, gilded and lacquered.

  • In the city centre, six bronze children dance in a circle around a playful fountain. The sculpture is called “Goj dese a Mundvì” (“The Joy of Being in Mondovì”), by sculptor Sergio Unia.

Local Delicacies of the Monregalese

The Monregalese region is also known for its traditional delicacies, including:

  • Risòle – puff pastries filled with jam

  • Bruss – a spicy, fermented cheese

  • Raschera – a semi-fat local cheese

  • Cupeta – a typical sweet

  • Monregalesi al Rum – chocolate and rum pralines

  • Rubatà breadsticks

  • Bale d’asu – a traditional local cured meat

  • Tajarin – fresh pasta

  • White truffle

  • Cuneo chestnuts

  • Marron Glacé

  • Paste di meliga – cornmeal biscuits

  • Rakikò – a herb-based bitter liqueur born in Mondovì in 1924

Photo: View of the Monregalese (from visitpiemonte.it)

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