Cherasco

Cherasco

Not far from Bra, you cannot miss Cherasco, a very charming, small medieval town that will enchant you. Even Napoleon fell in love with this town, and after having admired its wonderful sites such as Viscontis’ castle, the beautiful churches, Belvedere Arch and the enclosing walls of the 16th Century, he described Cherasco as “the most beautiful town in Italy”.

Have a walk through the historic centre with its fascinating historic, artistic and architectonic treasures. Under the ancient arcades, you can still find antique shops with wrought iron signs selling beautifully crafted paintings, furnishings and antique pieces of great artistic value. Besides the beautiful churches dedicated to San Martino, Sant’Agostino (17th Century) and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Popolo with a wonderful façade made of fired bricks, the town preserves many beautiful palaces, such as Palazzo Gotti di Salerano, housing the Civic Museum Adriani, and Palazzo Salmatoris, the most prestigious building of Cherasco. It was chosen by the Savoys as their summer residence, the peace treaty of 1631 was signed there, in 1706 it housed the Holy Shroud, and in 1796 Napoleon dictated his terms for the armistice with Piedmont in its halls. Nowadays, Palazzo Salmatoris houses prestigious art exhibitions (among the most recent ones: Picasso, De Pisis, Ligabue and De Chirico).

The antique market of Cherasco is famous nationwide, it takes place on five Sundays a year, and every time it is dedicated to a special subject, such as toys, books, pottery and glassware, vintage collections (antique clothes and accessories). Edible snails are grown in the whole area of Cherasco, they are the main ingredient of dainty recipes suggested by the local restaurants, and they are celebrated with a fair which takes place in autumn.