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Discovering wonders and must-see places
If you are planning a trip to Southern Piedmont, for example to the hilly Langhe area, you simply cannot miss out on this highlight. Discover fascinating things to see in and around Mondovì, a historical town in the Cuneo Province, with the population of about 22 thousand people, known as the Italian ballooning capital.
Have you already heard about this place? My name is Massimo Arnò, I am a professional balloonist, with a track record of over 2500 flight hours, and I have prepared this guide to Mondovì for you, as this town occupies a special place in my heart and I know it well thanks to my professional activity.
From this article you will learn:
- why the geographical location of Mondovì is just perfect;
- what to see in the Piazza district of Mondovì;
- why you absolutely must see Breo, Mondovì’s historical centre;
- what the best time and place are to observe hot air balloons from Mondovì Altipiano;
- where to eat: restaurants, pizzerias and other dining locations;
- where to sleep in Mondovì;
- things to see in the area surrounding Mondovì.
Pack your backpack and get ready for the exploration!
Mondovì geographical location
You have probably already heard about a world-famous balloon rally that takes place in Mondovì every year at the beginning of January. But where exactly is Mondovì?
The town belongs to the Province of Cuneo, also known as the “Provincia Granda”, being the second largest territory after the Province of Turin, located 30 km apart.
Mondovì is a strategic point for experience tourism. It is actually a nearly one-hour drive from Turin (80 km), as well as from Savona (70 km). The distance from Alba, famous for its wines and for the International Alba White Truffle Fair, is about 50 km and only a 30-minute drive will take you from Mondovì to the Prato Nevoso ski resort.
In short, Mondovì boasts an ideal location in between grand metropolitan cities adorned by historical Savoy residences and museums, the seaside with some delightful sightworthy villages, such as Noli, Varigotti and Finalborgo, the in-vogue ski resorts of Prato Nevoso and Artesina, as well as the Langhe Hills, an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site offering the best food and wine itineraries in Piedmont..
I would recommend to reach Mondovì by car to be free to drive wherever you like, but the place is also easily accessible by train from the Porta Nuova Railway Station in Turin, as well as from Savona and Genoa.
The nearest airports are Torino Caselle, Genova-Sestri and Cuneo Levaldigi.
Mondovì: three main discricts and their altitudes
The town personality is defined by its three main districts located at different altitudes: Mondovì Piazza, the cradle of the town rising at 559 m ASL, Mondovì Breo with its altitude of 395 m ASL and the plain area called Mondovì Altipiano.
Let me walk you through these three districts of Mondovì, a town that I love and visit very often, among other things, thanks to its perfect weather conditions for balloon flights.
What to see in Mondovì Piazza
Mondovì Piazza is the most high-altitude district of the town. It is often photographed with hot air balloons of all shapes and colours scattered in the sky above it.
Piazza has significant historical and cultural importance for Mondovì. One could call it an “elegant parlour” that dominates Mondovì Breo and all the surrounding monregalese territories.
In old times, Piazza used to be the fulcrum of all the town activities, since the Cathedral and the Governor’s Palace were built there. It is still a wonderful adventure to get lost in its many alley ways, always looking up at the hundreds of details, fresco paintings and ancient ornaments. Please, take your time and visit at least some of the town museums or palaces, you won’t regret it. Here are some places you could see in Mondovì Piazza.
The museum of printing
You might be surprised to learn that the first book ever printed in Piedmont saw the light of day in Mondovì, since this town used to be among the most important centres of the Duchy of Savoy. The long-standing printing tradition has been commemorated in the Municipal Museum of Printing, where it is even possible to try your hand at various old printing techniques.
The ceramic museum
Since the Napoleonic era till the first half of the XX century Mondovì was known throughout Italy as an important centre of ceramics manufacture. To honour this tradition of local craftmanship, the Ceramics Museum has been hosting a permanent exhibition of ceramics from various epochs.
Belvedere and the civic tower
The Civic Tower (Torre Civica) is one of the symbols of Mondovì, along with its hot air balloon rally. This bell tower, also known as the “Bressani’s Tower”, stands 29 m high in the heart of the Belvedere Park. Having climbed its 87 steps, you will be able to enjoy the magnificent views of the entire Alpine Arc, with its splendid Monviso, as well as the surrounding plain all the way down to the Langhe Hills.
The tower is open for visitors only in certain periods of the year. In this part of the town, you can also visit the Time Park (Parco del Tempo) exhibiting various instruments used to measure time.
Don’t miss the upper and lower porticos of Piazza Maggiore and the Church of San Francesco Saverio known as La Missione where you can admire the frescos by Andrea Pozzo, a renown Baroque artist and architect.
How do you get to Mondovì Piazza?
The most fun and romantic way to reach Piazza is by the recently restored funicular, which connects the historical centre of Mondovì Breo and Piazza Maggiore, opening a unique and unforgettable panoramic view before its passengers.
One cannot talk about Piazza without mentioning its events. To get the full taste of this place, visit it in mid-August, during the Ferragosto festivities, when the town hosts an Artisan Fair and a traditional Italian Tournament of Bocce Quadre (square bocce balls).
Mondovì Breo: the historical centre
The second district I would like to invite you to is Breo, the historical and commercial centre of Mondovì. Full of shops, restaurants and bars, it is the bustling heart of the town. During the Mondovì Carnival beautifully ornate floats parade along its streets featuring its main local character – the Moor. Tuesdays and Saturdays are dedicated to the farmers’ market. There are numerous places of interest here as well.
St. Peter and St. Paul church
The church faces one of the most characteristic squares of Breo and is surrounded by elegant palaces. St. Peter and St. Paul’s is known among the locals as the Moor Church because of the Moor clock on top of it that strikes every hour.
THE CHILDREN’S FOUNTAIN BY SERGIO UNIA
“La Goj d’esse a Mondvì”, or the “Joy of Being in Mondovì”, is the official name of this distinctive fountain at one of the town crossroads. Created by Sergio Unia, a local artist, it represents children dancing merrily in a round. The fountain has become a real symbol of Breo and one of the most popular meeting points for the monregalese.
SANT’AGOSTINO STREET
Sant’Agostino Street is the main pedestrian street of the historical part of Mondovì Breo. Here you can find all the most popular shops (some of them founded decades ago) and it is here that the locals meet for leisurely strolls on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Enjoy a walk along this street to discover incredibly rich and ornate architectural details on the facades of its palaces. One of Sant’Agostino cross streets is the funicular rail line, from where you can ride to Mondovì Piazza.
The town hall
The Town Hall (il Palazzo Comunale) is also situated in Breo. Its beautiful facade overlooks a spacious offroad square with cosy and relaxing bars and restaurant where you could enjoy a brunch or an aperitif or sip some Rakikò, a local herb bitter.
Mondovì Altipiano: the residential district
Altipiano is the youngest of the three monregalese neighbourhoods. It is mostly a residential and commercial district. The main railway station of Mondovì can also be found here. However, for us pilots this area is most important: every year during the Epiphany festivities about 30 balloons from all over the world are launched from Parco Europa Altipiano as part of the International Hot Air Balloon Rally.
Individual groups cannot fly during this time of year, as it is reserved for the rally participants, but there are numerous events introducing anyone interested to the art of ballooning, as well as tethered flights for children. For three days the town becomes one big festive scene hosting all the crews and offering a lot of entertainment and lots of occasions for breath-taking pictures.
September town palio
In late August and early September, Altipiano hosts a Town Palio between various districts of Mondovì. It is a very important tradition in the area, which goes back a long time and brings together the town neighbourhoods in a series of games and competitions – from more conventional, like treasure hunt or five-a-side, to most unusual and fantastic. Citizens take part in the Palio showing a strong competitive spirit and trying to do their best at various games and sports. This is a wonderful time to visit Mondovì and the surrounding area as well: for the two weeks of the Palio the town transforms completely in the unique atmosphere of competition and fun.
Where to eat in Mondovì: restaurants and pizzerias
Though I am originally from Rome, I have been flying in Mondovì for more than 10 years, as well as in other Italian areas, such as Umbria and Lombardy. Coming to Mondovì for work, I still like to explore the territory and try some new places to eat.
The Ristorantino Michelis, with its home-made pasta and typical Piedmontese dishes is definitely among my favourites. In the Piazza neighbourhood try Cantine Bonaparte, distinguished by its brick vaults, and Locanda dei Bressani, situated under the lower porticos.
In Breo, I have had a wonderful dining experience both at the restaurant Il Vicolo Corto and at Matice Vine et Cuisine, in the very heart of Sant’Agostino Street.
Speaking about pizza places in Mondovì, I must mention the longstanding Piemontese in Piazza, Mondofood in Breo and La Gerla in the Altipiano neighbourhood.
An important note: check the opening hours! In Mondovì (and in Piedmont in general) people usually have lunch at about 12:30-13:00 and dinner around 19:30-20:30. Many restaurants and pizzerias do not take orders after 13:30 and 21:00 and their kitchens normally close at 22:00. Remember this, especially if you are used to having your meals late by the monregalese standards.
Where to sleep in Mondovì: hotels and B&B
Mondovì has a vast choice of accommodations, the most famous being the Park Hotel in Altipiano.
I personally prefer bed and breakfast experience, and have been staying for years at B&B Sant’Agostino in the heart of the Breo neighbourhood. Conquered by the hospitality, friendliness and helpfulness of its owner, as well as by the charming atmosphere and attention to detail, I have always referred here all our guests participating in exclusive balloon flights and Piedmont Premium Experience.
Santuario di Vicoforte | Photo by FashionForTravel.com
What to see around Mondovì
The entire Mondovì area is beautiful and deserves as much attention as the town itself. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Sanctuary with the world’s largest elliptical horizontal section dome in the nearby town of Vicoforte (Cuneo), just a 10 minutes’ drive from Mondovì. It is an extraordinary work of art, which has not yet received enough recognition. Visitors, equipped with helmets and harnesses, can enjoy an absolutely sensational Magnificat experience of a hiking climb to the top of the dome.
Those who love nature will find in Mondovì one of the segments of the Landandè Trail – a series of hiking itineraries of low or medium level of difficulty that will let you breathe in the atmosphere of this splendid part of Piedmont.
I hope that this guide has shown you that Mondovì is not only the Italian ballooning capital, but an entertaining tourist destination offering its guests a rich and diverse experience. In addition to an exclusive balloon flight reserved only for you or your private party, you can enjoy an interesting and unusual weekend or an unforgettable week of vacation.
Having read this guide, you now know what you can see in and around Mondovì and all that is left to do is to book your visit including a hot air balloon flight with Discover The Sky, to soar between the Alps and the Langhe Hills and admire all the wonderful sceneries that this land has to offer, taking with you the best moments of this unforgettable journey.
