Cissone: Churches, Cultural Heritage and a Wooded Valley

Cissone between the Valley and the Heights

Cissone overlooks a wooded valley formed by the Riavolo stream. This specific landscape setting shapes the view of the town and provides a clear starting point for planning your trip: in Cissone, the natural environment and the town’s accumulated history come together within a small area.

The town lies 661 metres above sea level. The municipal area ranges from 417 to 682 metres in elevation. These elevation figures show that Cissone can be appreciated not only for its position by the wooded valley, but also for the different elevations within the municipal area. For orientation on site, both the valley views and the higher-lying areas are therefore important reference points.

Sacred Buildings in the Town Centre

In the town centre, the former Chiesa Confraternita dei Disciplinati stands directly next to the Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Lucia. The former Chiesa Confraternita dei Disciplinati is believed to date from the 15th or 16th century and was completely restored in 1771. Inside, there is also an ancient Roman sandstone funerary stele dating from around the 2nd century AD.

The Chiesa cimiteriale della Natività di Maria Vergine was formerly the parish church and has only been referred to as a cemetery church since 1644. It was previously dedicated to Santa Maria di Loreto. Its entrance portal features an IHS monogram in sandstone commemorating San Bernardino da Siena’s stay. The church also contains a late-15th-century fresco by Antonio Bianchetti of Cherasco. The fresco is considered the only signed pictorial document by the painter from Cherasco.

The location of the Chiesa cimiteriale della Natività di Maria Vergine is also part of the townscape: its outdoor area lies at one of the most panoramic points in Cissone.

The Pilone di San Luigi also forms part of the sacred surroundings. It was built around 1700 and is dedicated to Saint Luigi.

Art and Music in Santa Lucia

The Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Lucia has three naves, no side apses and three bays. The church contains a painting signed by Geovosius Rodes and dated 1793. Its furnishings also include an organ built in 1879 by the organ-building workshop “Collino Padre e Figli” of Turin.

Route Connections and Orientation

The La Langa del Dolcetto route continues through Cissone to Serravalle Langhe, passing the Chiesa cimiteriale della Natività along the way. The stage point of the Strada Romantica in Cissone lies on a hill covered with conifers just outside the town area. When planning a journey along this route, the church connection is on the section towards Serravalle Langhe; the stage point, on the other hand, is just outside the town area.

Discover More Places in Italy

More places for your trip to Italy: Stroppo, Saliceto, Piobesi D'alba, San Damiano Macra, Feisoglio, Ricca, Demonte and Rodello.

For the overarching travel overview: Cuneo.