Fornace: Discover Natural Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

Natural Landscapes along the Pesio

Fornace is part of the local surroundings of the Crava-Morozzo Nature Reserve. Those wishing to combine nature and culture on a trip will encounter two distinct highlights here: the landscape along the Pesio and the cultural heritage of Rocca de’ Baldi.

The Crava-Morozzo Nature Reserve extends over 300 hectares along the Pesio and is located in the municipalities of Rocca de’ Baldi, Morozzo and Mondovì. In Rocca de’ Baldi, the protected Oasi di Crava Morozzo covers 187.99 hectares.

Trails of Different Lengths

The reserve’s cycle path runs for 3 kilometres from Crava to Morozzo. The nature trail along the Pesio leads to Lago di Crava, crosses a canal via a characteristic wooden bridge and reaches the cycle path.

Another path, approximately 5 kilometres long, begins on the road from the entrance to the Oasi towards Rocca de’ Baldi and runs westwards; it is mostly unpaved. When planning a walk here, both the approximate length of 5 kilometres and the mostly unpaved surface should be taken into account. For a longer cycling tour, a 44-kilometre route leads from Fossano via Trinità and Rocca de’ Baldi to Mondovì. It has 430 metres of ascent and 420 metres of descent.

Rocca de’ Baldi and the Castle

The old centre of Rocca de’ Baldi lies on a triangular rocky spur bounded by the Pesio and Pogliola streams. Castello di Rocca de’ Baldi began as an imposing defensive fortress and became the residence of the Marquises Morozzo della Rocca in 1675.

At Castello di Rocca de’ Baldi, visitors can see the Hall of Honour, the Blue Room and the Alcove Room, with decorated wooden ceilings in delicate pastel colours. The park is home to an old orchard with historic apple varieties as well as quince and mulberry trees.

Museums between Agriculture and Everyday Life

In Rocca de’ Baldi, the Museo Storico Etnografico A. Doro displays tools, materials and photographs relating to rural life. The museum also conducts research and organises conferences and exhibitions on the history and traditions of local agriculture.

The Museo Etnografico Augusto Doro is currently exhibiting a collection of toys from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Museo Etnografico Augusto Doro also includes a shoemaker’s workshop in a small room on the ground floor of the 17th-century wing of the castle.

Staying Overnight in Nature

The Foresteria dell’Oasi offers accommodation in nature, a place to eat or bar service, and an information point. Overnight accommodation is available there for 12 guests in three rooms.

More Places on Piazze

More destination pages: Benevello, Farigliano, Manta, Santo Stefano Belbo, Borgo San Dalmazzo, Monteu Roero, Moccagatta, Monesiglio

To the main travel overview: Cuneo.