Moretta between Baroque, castle history and nature

Baroque architecture in the town center

In the town center of Moretta stands the parish church of San Giovanni Battista, which is also dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The building displays Baroque forms; its vaults are decorated with a large fresco cycle painted by Costantino Sereno in 1877. The church and its paintings give the town center a clearly recognizable cultural character.

Sanctuary and historical traces

The Santuario della Beata Vergine del Pilone is an example of Piedmontese Baroque architecture built entirely of exposed brick and was constructed between 1685 and 1691. The circular route Sentieri del cuore begins in the forecourt of the sanctuary. Its construction period therefore falls in the late 17th century, clearly before the 1877 fresco cycle in the parish church.

Castle, fief and December date

The imposing castle of Moretta still dominates the built-up area today. In August 1362, Prince Giacomo d'Acaia enfeoffed Agassino Solaro, his son Giovanni, and his nephews Bonifacio and Stefano, known as the Borgognone, with the castle, the town, jurisdiction, and the fiefs of Moretta in exchange for 21,000 gold florins; the new lords had the castle rebuilt. At the end of the 14th century, alongside Moretta Castle, there was a fortified residential settlement with a wall, moat, and drawbridge. Several decades lie between the enfeoffment in August 1362 and the fortified settlement at the end of the 14th century.

The historic Fiera del Cappone di Moretta takes place every year on the third Monday in December. For a trip in December, this date is an important planning factor. The third Monday is a movable date within the month; nevertheless, the event remains assigned to December every year.

Castles and museum in the surrounding area

Castello di Monasterolo di Savigliano, La Castiglia and Castello di Macello are castles in the vicinity of Moretta. The Pinacoteca Matteo Olivero is also a museum in the vicinity of Moretta. These three castles and the museum complement Moretta's church and castle history with additional architectural and art-related themes.

Gardens, peaks and regional landscape

In the wider regional area around Moretta, Arco Trionfale is a natural arch, Cima Bracco is a peak, and Giardini Baden Powell is a garden. The Giardino Botanico di Villa Bricherasio is a garden in the vicinity of Moretta. These places appeal to different interests: natural formations, a mountain peak, or landscaped garden spaces. When planning a trip, destinations in the wider regional area therefore sit alongside a garden in the vicinity of Moretta.

Waterside landscape along the Sentiero delle Ochette

The Sentiero delle Ochette runs along small beaches in river bends, streams and canals, shady stands of poplars, and lowland forests. Thus, alongside sacred buildings, castles and the museum, it also places a landscape of waterways, riverside sections and wooded areas at the center.

More destinations for your travel planning

For further orientation, also discover Montelupo Albese, Celle Di Macra, Priocca, Isasca, Levice, Neive, Piasco and Artesina.

For the overarching travel overview: Cuneo.