Bra: Museums, History and Food Culture

Bra between Urban History and Food Culture

If you are looking for a place where urban history, museums, varied trails and a distinctive culinary identity come together, Bra offers many different ways to explore. The history of the town and the region becomes tangible, as does the connection to local specialities and the international “Città Slow” movement. At the same time, several routes pass through different places or begin directly in Bra.

Museums of History, Nature and Everyday Culture

La Zizzola houses the multimedia museum “Zizzola – House of Braidesi”, dedicated to the history of the town and the region. The municipal museums of Bra offer reserved educational visits and workshop activities for schools, as well as guided tours for groups. At the Craveri Natural History Museum, the exhibition extends across three floors. It includes a multimedia scientific library, an ecological laboratory and a greenhouse for succulents. The museum was built as the Craveri family’s country house; since 1859, it has been home to one of the most significant archives of meteorological observations in the entire Piedmont region.

Palazzo Traversa also combines architecture and several historical layers. Its original core dates from the middle of the 15th century. The municipal museum there houses an art collection with paintings and sculptures from the 17th to the 20th century. The archaeological section preserves Roman remains from Pollenzo. In addition, the Toy Museum focuses on around one thousand toys and historic playthings, including industrially produced, handcrafted and homemade items. The Church of Sant’Andrea was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and executed by the architect Guarino Guarini. In 402 AD, Pollentia was the site of a battle between the Romans and the Visigoths.

Trails for Hiking and Cycling

Various route lengths and types of trails are available for your planning. The S1 trail is 34.5 km long, begins in Bra, ends in Cisterna d’Alba and passes through ten different places. The habitat along the S1 trail is home to species from Mediterranean and Alpine habitats. The “From Bra to Bra” circular route begins at Piazza Caduti per la libertà. Bra also has a 15 km-long cycle path.

Local Specialities and Wine Culture

Bra’s culinary character is reflected in distinctive products and events. Salsiccia di Bra is a veal sausage associated with Bra’s local gastronomy. Bra’s cuisine also includes the Mac ‘d Bra sandwich. Bra cheese is celebrated at the Cheese Festival. Bra is also one of the four founding districts of the international “Città Slow” movement.

Wine culture includes the Banca del Vino. It is housed in 19th-century cellars and offers wine-tasting tours and events. In Pollenzo, the University of Gastronomic Sciences is part of the local profile; it is considered the first university fully dedicated to food culture. Pollenzo is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To the main travel overview: Cuneo.