Cuneo
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 14 March 2022
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The city of Cuneo is the capital city of the Province of Cuneo with a population of 56,144 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 534 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 120 km² and lies 80 kilometres south of Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont. In Italian, the word "cuneo" means "wedge", and this neatly sums up the position of the city, wedged as it is between two rivers, the River Stura and the River Gesso that meet at this point. |
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The majority of Cuneo's sights are situated towards the sharp end of the wedge, from the gargantuan Piazza Galimberti and on or close to the main shopping street: Via Roma. After just a few steps along Via Roma with Piazza Galimberti behind you, Cuneo Cathedral appears on the left. Otherwise known as Santa Maria del Bosco, the Cathedral was built in the 17th century with its current facade added in the 19th century.
A 5 minute walk along Via Roma, continuing in the same direction away from the piazza brings you to the Torre Civica which can be seen up and to the right, above the shops. This little area is a particularly attractive part of the street and if you turn left at this point you'll find another important church, the Chiesa di Santa Croce with its beautiful facade.
Just beyond Santa Croce is the Lungostura Kennedy (the Lungostura part meaning something like "along the River Stura"), a riverside walk that's a popular spot for joggers and walkers alike. If you turn right here and continue to the next block up, you'll arrive at the market square of Piazza Virginio. Apart from the covered market area in the middle of the piazza, the main sight here is the deconsecrated Chiesa di San Francesco which nowadays houses the Civic Museum and is also referred to as the Monumental Complex of St. Francis.
From the St. Francis complex, if you head back up to Via Roma, you'll shortly come to another fine church, the 18th century Chiesa di Sant'Ambrogio which is well worth a look inside.
Before leaving Cuneo you should try one of the famous rum-filled chocolates that are made here. Known as "Cuneesi al Rhum", the chocolates can be bought at most pasticcerias in the city and are a great way to round off your day's exploration.
A 5 minute walk along Via Roma, continuing in the same direction away from the piazza brings you to the Torre Civica which can be seen up and to the right, above the shops. This little area is a particularly attractive part of the street and if you turn left at this point you'll find another important church, the Chiesa di Santa Croce with its beautiful facade.
Just beyond Santa Croce is the Lungostura Kennedy (the Lungostura part meaning something like "along the River Stura"), a riverside walk that's a popular spot for joggers and walkers alike. If you turn right here and continue to the next block up, you'll arrive at the market square of Piazza Virginio. Apart from the covered market area in the middle of the piazza, the main sight here is the deconsecrated Chiesa di San Francesco which nowadays houses the Civic Museum and is also referred to as the Monumental Complex of St. Francis.
From the St. Francis complex, if you head back up to Via Roma, you'll shortly come to another fine church, the 18th century Chiesa di Sant'Ambrogio which is well worth a look inside.
Before leaving Cuneo you should try one of the famous rum-filled chocolates that are made here. Known as "Cuneesi al Rhum", the chocolates can be bought at most pasticcerias in the city and are a great way to round off your day's exploration.
Comune di Cuneo
Cuneo Travel
Cuneo's train station is located on the western side of the city, towards the thicker end of the wedge, one kilometre from Piazza Galimberti, a walk of around 15 minutes. The same distance can be made by bus in 5 minutes with a variety of bus route numbers to choose from. The train journey north from Cuneo to Turin (Porta Nuova) takes and hour and 11 minutes.
The most convenient airport for Cuneo is Turin Airport which is an hour and 20 minutes away by car, a distance of 128 kilometres. The next best alternative is Genoa's Christopher Columbus Airport, an hour and 42 minutes/141 kilometres away.
The most convenient airport for Cuneo is Turin Airport which is an hour and 20 minutes away by car, a distance of 128 kilometres. The next best alternative is Genoa's Christopher Columbus Airport, an hour and 42 minutes/141 kilometres away.
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Public transport: central train station, local buses
By train: Turin - 1 hour 11 minutes |
By car: Turin - 1 hour 14 min (98 km), Asti - 1 hour 23 min (90 km)
Fly to: Turin Airport - 1 hour 20 minutes by car (128 km) |
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