Mondovì

Mondovì is a town in Piedmont, in the province of Cuneo, made up of two distinct areas linked by a funicular railway: Mondovì Piazza, the historic hilltop centre, and Breo, the more modern lower district. The old town retains a typical Piedmontese layout, with arcaded squares and period buildings reflecting its past as a trading hub. Nearby stands the Sanctuary of Vicoforte, noted for having one of the largest elliptical domes in the world. The surrounding area, known as the Monregalese, stretches from open plains to the first Alpine foothills, offering good walking country and, in winter, skiing at nearby resorts such as Artesina. Mondovì also has a historical connection to ceramics and printing, industries that shaped its economic past. Local cuisine reflects classic Piedmontese produce, including cheeses, cured meats and dishes featuring hazelnuts from the neighbouring Langhe hills. The town makes a convenient base for exploring both the Piedmontese countryside and the lower reaches of the Maritime Alps.