San Michele di Mondovì between Chapels, Trails and Nature

San Michele di Mondovì: Culture, Trails and Nature

San Michele di Mondovì brings together sacred art, historical traces, trails and botanical nature. The Cappella di San Bernardino, the Cappella di San Sebastiano, the Palazzo del Re, the Bicocca di San Giacomo, the Sentiero Landandè and the Aiuola Botanica Comunale each offer their own focus. Specific highlights include the 1489 polyptych, the frescoes in San Sebastiano and at other chapels, the circular trail to the Bicocca di San Giacomo, the Sentiero Landandè and the Aiuola Botanica Comunale.

Chapels and Historical Traces

The Cappella di San Bernardino houses a polyptych dating from 1489. The Cappella di San Sebastiano is located on the road to Niella Tanaro, on the left bank of the Torrente Corsaglia. Inside, there is a fresco from the second half of the 15th century: it depicts the Madonna and Child enthroned between two holy knights; the lunette shows a Crucifixion.

In the hamlet of Codovilla, the S. Magno chapel was built at the beginning of the 18th century. The chapels on the outskirts of San Michele di Mondovì also feature frescoes from the 14th and 16th centuries.

The Palazzo del Re was once a place where the Savoys, particularly Vittorio Emanuele II, stayed on their journeys to the Casotto Palace. Its historical significance therefore lies in its connection with the former travel route of the House of Savoy.

Hiking and Cycling

On the way to the Bicocca di San Giacomo, there is a picnic area and a drinking fountain beside the chapel. The circular trail can also be cycled; on foot, it takes about two hours. The picnic area and drinking fountain are located by the chapel for a break during the route. Those planning the hike can allow for the approximate duration as a separate time block and choose between travelling on foot or by bicycle.

For longer trail connections, there is the Sentiero Landandè. Since 2017, it has been extended by the sections from Niella Tanaro and San Michele Mondovì and is now more than 41 kilometres long overall. When planning a longer hike, the total length of more than 41 kilometres should be taken into account as a separate time frame.

Discover Botanical Nature

The Aiuola Botanica Comunale is aimed at nature enthusiasts who want not only to observe plants but also to identify them. Every plant on display has an information panel with its common name, genus and photograph. A QR code leads to a detailed online profile. Gravel paths allow the entire area to be traversed; one of the two sections has already been prepared for use by people with disabilities. Admission is free, so the visit can be included in the day’s plans without entrance fees.

Other places: Acceglio, Fort, Cissone, Saluzzo, Cossano Belbo, Levice, San Bernardo, Borgomale

For the overarching travel overview: Cuneo.