Ten Things to Do to Discover This Enchanting Village in Cuneo
sleeping in a historic palace steeped in literature
Mondovì doesn’t go on vacation, and it is the perfect destination for those looking to spend a few days immersed in a magical, ancient atmosphere, characterized by a rediscovery of slow times and plenty of culture and activities. Using Palazzo Fauzone Relais, an old residence in the historic center transformed into a charming boutique hotel unique in its conception, as a base, here are ten things to do this summer in Mondovì.
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Andy Warhol Exhibition – Influencer
An intriguing monographic exhibition on the absolute master of Pop Art will be set up from August until November 10 in the former church of Santo Stefano in Mondovì. The exhibition retraces the different stages of the artist’s career, from his beginnings as a graphic designer to music covers, through iconic screenprints and the famous Campbell’s Soup cans.
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Magnificat – The Sanctuary of Vicoforte
Four kilometers from the historic center is the magnificent Sanctuary of Vicoforte, known for its majestic dome, the largest elliptical dome in the world. The Sanctuary of Vicoforte, an imposing national monument and a masterpiece of Piedmontese Baroque, has been turned into the stage for an unforgettable adventurous tour thanks to Kalatà’s vision: a climb of seventy meters to the top of the lanternino. For information: https://kalata.it/esperienza/santuario-di-vicoforte-magnificat-cupola-ellittica/
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Hot Air Balloon Ride
Mondovì is Italy’s capital of hot air ballooning: here, at Epiphany, one of Italy’s most important aerostatic events takes place, and here you’ll find – uniquely in Italy – an aerostatic port with an Aero Club dedicated to hot air balloons. A romantic flight over the Monregalese skies is an experience not to be missed, with the chance to view the panorama while floating slowly among the clouds. For information and reservations: Palazzo Fauzone https://www.palazzofauzone.com/
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Artisan Craft Exhibition
In the streets and palaces of the historic center of Mondovì Piazza, from August 14 to 18, the Artisan Craft Exhibition takes place, the highlight of the Monregalese summer. Artisans and artists come from all over Italy with their creations and stories, filling the main square with unique objects. For the occasion, Palazzo Fauzone Relais organizes special breakfasts with guided tours of the palace. For information: info@palazzofauzone.com
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Illustrada Festival – Written and Illustrated Books
From September 6 to 8, one of Mondovì’s most famous events returns. Illustrada, the festival celebrating illustration and the professionals working in this fantastic world, is the perfect opportunity to also discover the literary rooms of Palazzo Fauzone, which house thematic masterpieces. The guest star of this edition will be Altan, the creator of Pimpa. For information: www.illustrada.it
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Ceramics Museum
Housed in the 18th-century Palazzo Fauzone of Germagnano, on the medieval Piazza Maggiore, the Ceramics Museum displays around six hundred pieces that trace the history of ceramics in the Monregalese district, from the Napoleonic era to the 1970s. For information: https://www.museoceramicamondovi.it/
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Printing Museum
The Civic Museum of Printing in Mondovì is also very interesting, recently renovated in both space and content to tell the story of the link between the book and the city: here, in 1472, the first dated book in Piedmont was printed. A connection still evidenced today by a place like Palazzo Fauzone Relais. For information: https://www.museostampamondovi.it/
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The Belvedere Civic Tower
The Belvedere Gardens, created for the Floral Exhibition of 1903, offer a spectacular view of the city. Here you will also find the Civic Tower (visit available), which, with its 29.10 meters, dominates the hill and today, with its clock, is the center of an open-air exhibition path celebrating, along with the sundials scattered throughout the city, “the park of time.”
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Funicular Ride
Used to connect the upper part of the city with the district at the foot of the hill since 1886, the funicular – now completely renovated by Giorgetto Giugiaro – is a fine example of how this city is able to bring its guests back in time. For information: https://comune.mondovi.cn.it/contenuti/248925/funicolare
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Palazzo Fauzone Relais
Not just a hotel: Palazzo Fauzone is a place rich in history that Barbara Franco, its owner, will be happy to illustrate by guiding you through the ancient 16th-century rooms that testify to Mondovì’s rich past. Barbara Franco’s passion for literature (she is a prolific author of children’s books) inspired this literary relais, where each room is inspired by a great classic of international literature. www.palazzofauzone.com