Bra
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Introduction
Bra is a municipality located in the north-eastern part of the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont, lying on a hilly area that marks the transition to the Cuneo plain and the Roero. Known to be one of the capitals of taste and gastronomic culture in Piedmont, it is the birthplace of the international Slow Food movement, which has its historical headquarters here. Several prehistoric finds testify to ancient presences in the area, but the first urban centre began with the gradual displacement of the inhabitants of ancient Pollenzo to the current plateau. Its Roman and medieval origins are intertwined with a historical evolution that has made it a lively and strategic centre. Today, it is a popular destination for both its cultural life and rich wine and food tradition, attracting visitors from all over Italy and abroad.
Description
The municipal territory stretches between gentle hills covered with vineyards and cultivated fields, with an average altitude of around 290 metres. It is an integral part of the Roero area, characterised by sandy soils and varied landscapes, where vineyards, orchards and woods alternate with gullies and peculiar geological formations. The historic centre is of great interest for its alternation of styles, from Renaissance to Baroque to the 19th century. Piazza della Rocca and Via Cavour represent authentic city salons, with elegant architecture and typical cafés that retain their convivial charm. Dominating the landscape is the Zizzola, a curious 18th-century building that began life as a 'villa di delizie' and became the symbol of Bra.
The town's history is marked by moments of prosperity, especially between the 17th and 18th centuries, when its position made it a commercial and cultural crossroads. In the vast and historic complex of Pollenzo, which was the summer residence of the Savoy family, a major tourist and cultural centre is now developed, home to initiatives of high food culture, hospitality and catering, such as the University of Gastronomic Sciences. Bra was the birthplace of prominent personalities such as the musician Giuseppe Gabetti and the politician and writer Giovanni Battista Gandino.
Bra's economy is based on a balanced mix of agriculture, industry and services. The agri-food sector plays a central role: typical products include 'Bra sausage', traditionally prepared with beef and natural flavourings, Bra PDO cheese, Roero wines and artisan confectionery specialities. Industry includes mechanical, textile and packaging companies, while the service sector is also developing thanks to tourism.
The local culture is strongly linked to culinary traditions. As well as being home to Slow Food, Bra hosts internationally renowned events such as 'Cheese', a biennial event dedicated to quality cheeses and dairy products. Patronal festivals and fairs enliven the city calendar, including the festivals of San Rocco and Sant'Andrea. The local cuisine offers dishes such as tajarin, agnolotti al plin, braised beef with Barolo wine and hazelnut desserts, accompanied by the renowned wines of the Roero.
In terms of tourism and hiking, Bra is an excellent starting point for discovering the Roero and the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hilly itineraries on foot or by bicycle lead past villages, vineyards and spectacular viewpoints. Nearby are medieval castles, country churches and the Rocche del Roero Reserve. In the town, in addition to the historic centre, the Toy Museum, the Bra Museum of Archaeology and History and the Zizzola Park, which offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside, are worth a visit.
Information
Area:59.53sq km
Altitude: 285m
Maximum elevation:
Number of inhabitants: 30224
Name in dialect: Bra
Inhabitants name:Braidesi
Patron Saint: Madonna dei Fiori (8 September)
Website: www.comune.bra.cn.en
Webcam:
Bordering municipalities: Cavallermaggiore, Cherasco, La Morra, Pocapaglia, Sanfrè, Santa Vittoria d'Alba, Verduno
Villages and hamlets: Bandito, Boschetto, Borgo Nuovo, Cà del Bosco, Castelletto, Chiossa, Crociera Burdina, Falchetto, Grione, Matrotti, Piumati, Pollenzo, Quinto Bianco, Riva, Rivo, Ronchi, Sabecco Superiore, San Matteo, San maurizio, Sant'Agnese, Scatoleri, San Michele, Tetti Bona, Tetti Milanesi, Tetti Rasa