Manta: History, Churches and Trails

Manta brings together several historic sites with the municipal routes “Passeggiando per Manta”. Castello della Manta, Santa Maria del Monastero, the Torre Civica and other sacred and technical heritage sites give the journey a cultural focus; at the same time, the trails on the hill open up views across the plain.

Castello della Manta and its imagery

Castello della Manta was transformed from a fortress into a noble residence in the 15th century. The Sala Baronale contains the cycle of the Nine Worthies and Nine Heroines, as well as the depiction of the Fountain of Youth. For those interested in culture, the site combines architectural history with a series of figurative works.

Early sacred buildings and distinctive details

Santa Maria del Monastero was Manta’s first place of worship and is one of the oldest Christian architectural monuments in southwestern Piedmont. Its architectural features date the building to the final decades of the 11th century. At the Santuario di San Leone Magno, the structure of the apse and the pointed-arch windows indicate construction in the 12th century. The dates place the two sacred buildings in successive medieval construction phases: Santa Maria reaches back to the final decades of the 11th century, while San Leone Magno dates to the 12th century.

Individual details also deserve attention. The baptismal font, Il Fonte Battesimale, is shaped like an octagonal chalice. The Chiesa di San Giacomo is a chapel at the summit of a hill, on the hill’s final slope. When visiting, the shape of the baptismal font and the chapel’s location on the hilltop can be appreciated side by side.

Torre Civica and Mulino di San Rocco

The Torre Civica was a watchtower and part of the walls of the medieval Ricetto. In the late 19th century, it was converted into a bell tower with a large clock. The Mulino di San Rocco can still be recognized today by its external hydraulic mechanisms. These include the water wheel, the “balconera” and the sluice gates of the feeder channel. Together, the two buildings expand the local history to include fortification, the tower’s later use and water technology.

Walking trails with views of the castle

The municipal routes “Passeggiando per Manta” include shady trails on the hill and cool fountains. Along these routes, the plain stretches out below, with the castle appearing against the backdrop of Monviso. Those who plan to explore the municipal routes on foot will find shade on the hill, cool fountains and views across the plain.

Travel by train

Manta railway station is connected to Torino Porta Nuova and Torino Porta Susa by regional trains, including SFM Line 7, as well as by fast regional trains towards Cuneo, with a change in Savigliano. When planning a train journey, the two Turin stations, SFM Line 7 and the change in Savigliano all play a specific role.

More places for planning your trip: Roe, Borgomale, Vernante, Vinadio, Villar San Costanzo, Prunetto, Madonna Della Neve, Gorzegno.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.