Fossano: Culture, Geology and Trails along the Stura

Fossano combines views of the Alpine arc of southern Piedmont with remarkable architecture, museums and landscape experiences along the Stura River. This creates a destination where culture, geology, local traditions and outdoor activities can be experienced together through specific places.

Castello degli Acaja and Sacred Architecture

Castello degli Acaja houses Fossano’s municipal library and municipal archive. The library contains more than 145,000 volumes. The castle’s viewing tower offers a 360-degree panorama over Fossano and the Alpine arc of southern Piedmont.

The churches also feature distinctive architectural accents. Fossano Cathedral was consecrated in 1791 and built according to a design by Mario Ludovico Quarini. The Church of the Brotherhood of the Holy Trinity, known as Battuti Rossi, was built between 1730 and 1739. Its interior has a Greek-cross floor plan, two side chapels, a semicircular presbytery and twelve choir galleries.

Museums between Art and Geology

The Museo Diocesano in Fossano displays religious paintings, wooden sculptures, silverwork and liturgical vestments from the 17th and 18th centuries. Alongside the architecture, the city’s religious art history is therefore also a central focus.

The Museo Federico Sacco offers a different perspective in the premises of the Cassa di Risparmio treasury on Via Roma in Fossano. It was established in 2016 and opened in 2021 to promote geotourism. Its features include a geological timeline spiral and an interactive table where visitors can explore the properties of different rocks.

Festivals and Local Traditions

The Giostra de l’Oca includes a costume parade based on the 16th century, as well as competitions that are non-violent today, featuring horse races and archery. In June, Fossano hosts the traditional Palio dei Borghi – Giostra de l’Oca.

Another established tradition in Fossano is the Fiera del Vitello Grasso. It always takes place on the two Wednesdays before Easter. At the town’s Foro Boario, local breeders present their finest calves of the Piemontese breed.

Stura, Fossil Forest and Marked Trails

Fossano is one of the 14 municipalities within the protected Gesso e Stura River Park. In the Fossano area, a fossil forest lies along the Stura River and can be reached via the Sentiero del Pastore. It is considered the oldest fossil forest known to date in Italy.

For walks and cycling tours, the “Camminatura” trail network is the main attraction. It comprises more than 160 kilometres of marked cycling and hiking trails along the Stura River. This makes it possible to include cultural sites and the river landscape as different focal points when planning a trip.

Travelling by Train

The Fossano area can be reached via the Turin–Savona and Turin–Cuneo railway lines. Fossano railway station serves as a junction for both lines and is served every 30 minutes. It has a total of seven tracks for passenger services.

You can also explore other places in the wider area: Canale, Piasco, Musso, Cavallermaggiore, Roddino, Trinità, Prazzo Superiore and Caramagna Piemonte.

To the overview of the wider destination: Cuneo.