Cuneo

Access

Cuneo, located in south-western Piedmont, is accessible by several modes of transport. The nearest airport is Cuneo Levaldigi (CUF), located approximately 18 kilometres from the city. This airport offers connections to national and international destinations and is easily accessible via State Road 20, which connects it to Cuneo and Turin via the motorway.As an alternative, the airports of Torino Caselle (TRN), about 90 kilometres away, and Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE), about 86 kilometres away, are good options for reaching Cuneo. 
In terms of rail transport, the main station is Cuneo, served by lines connecting it to Turin and Ventimiglia. The Turin-Cuneo line, with intermediate stops such as Fossano and Savigliano, guarantees regular connections with the Piedmontese capital. In addition, the Cuneo-Ventimiglia line offers a scenic route through the Maritime Alps, connecting Piedmont to Liguria and France.
By car, Cuneo can be reached via the Turin-Savona motorway, with the recommended exit at Fossano, from where you continue on the Strada Statale in the direction of Cuneo. The provincial road network is well developed, with state and provincial roads connecting the city to the main centres in the region and the surrounding mountainous areas. The State Road of the Colle di Tenda and Valle Roja, for example, connects Cuneo to the French border, crossing the Maritime Alps.
For those who prefer public transport, there are bus services connecting Cuneo with the main cities in Piedmont and Liguria, as well as direct connections with Turin Caselle Airport. 
In summary, Cuneo is well connected both regionally and internationally, thanks to a diversified transport network that includes airports, railway lines, motorways and bus services, facilitating access to the city from various sources. 

Introduction

Located in the Piedmont region, Cuneo is a city that fascinates for its strategic position and its many historical, cultural and naturalistic facets. It rises at the confluence of the Gesso stream and the Stura di Demonte, on a terrace overlooking their intersection. This geographic configuration has made it a natural crossroads for traffic between Piedmont and south-eastern France, through the Alpine passes of Maddalena and Tenda.
The city is distinguished by its regular, well-planned architecture, characterised by main thoroughfares such as Corso Nizza and Via Roma, which define its longitudinal urban layout. Cuneo is also the seat of a bishopric, enriching its cultural and spiritual profile.
Cuneo initially developed as a fortified centre and a lively marketplace, thanks to its strategic location and commercial vocation. After the demolition of the defensive walls in the 19th century, the city experienced a gradual building expansion, accelerated in the 20th century with a strong influx of migrants from the surrounding valleys and hills.

Description

Cuneo was founded as a free commune in 1198, by the inhabitants of the region fleeing from the powers of the marquises of Monferrato and Saluzzo. After alternating fortunes, the city became linked to the Savoys in 1382, becoming a strategic bulwark. This caused it numerous sieges over the centuries, from the Middle Ages until the 18th century, when it defended itself heroically against Franco-Spanish armies. During the Resistance, the town played a crucial role in the liberation struggle, becoming a symbol of courage and the fight for freedom.
The surrounding area, framed by the Maritime and Cottian Alps, offers spectacular landscapes: from undulating hills to Alpine valleys, it is a hiker's paradise. Numerous itineraries wind their way from the city centre towards the mountains, passing panoramic viewpoints, refuges and enchanting villages.
The economy of Cuneo is based on a combination of commerce, logistics and industry, with specialised sectors such as mechanics, food and crafts. In recent decades, tourism has grown thanks to its artistic, scenic and gastronomic riches.
The city is known for major cultural events, such as the 'Organ Concerts' and other events that celebrate its unique identity. Among its illustrious personalities are Giuseppe Peano, a famous mathematician, and the journalist Giorgio Bocca.
Finally, Cuneo is the ideal starting point for excursions leading to alpine refuges and sites of interest such as the Sanctuary of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the spectacular Gesso Valley. Here, nature and history come together in an experience that enchants and enriches visitors.

Information

Area: 119.87 sq km
Altitude:534m
Maximum elevation: 615m - hamlet of San Rocco Castagnaretta
Number of inhabitants: 55.914 (as of 31 December 2023)
Name in dialect: Coni
Name of inhabitants: Cuneesi
Patron Saint: San Michele Arcangelo (29 September)
Bordering municipalities: Beinette, Borgo San Dalmazzo, Boves, Busca, Caraglio, Castelletto Stura, Centallo, Cervasca, Morozzo, Peveragno, Tarantasca, Vignolo
Website: www.comune.cuneo.it