Discover Sanfrè: History, Traditions and Rice

Sanfrè on the edge of Roero

Sanfrè lies on the edge of Roero. The town brings together several clearly recognisable themes: architectural history, religious traditions, local cuisine and events centred around rice. Another perspective is offered by the Roero Bike Tour. The route is 140 kilometres long and designed for mountain bikes or e-bikes. If you are looking for a hotel in Sanfrè, you can therefore plan your trip around the focus that interests you most—architecture, regional customs, culinary themes or cycling.

Castle and Churches

Castello di Sanfrè dates back to the early 13th century. After the original complex was burned down by the Spanish in the mid-16th century, it was rebuilt as a noble residence. The building includes bastions and a protected passage connecting the castle with the parish church. This makes it possible to trace, through a single building, how different eras shaped Sanfrè’s history.

The parish church of Santi Pietro e Paolo was rebuilt at the beginning of the 18th century on the instructions of the Marchesi Isnardi. It was designed in the Baroque-Renaissance style by the architect Francesco Gallo. Another religious building is located in Martini, Sanfrè: the Cappella dell'Addolorata was rebuilt in 1916. Sanfrè’s former parish church of Santissima Trinità has been mentioned since 1386.

The Motta degli Isnardi complex is also one of the town’s notable historical features. It comprises twelve farmsteads, each named after one of the twelve apostles. The church of Santa Maria Maddalena in the Motta degli Isnardi complex has a single-nave layout.

Il Fuaset and the Sagra del Riso

Il Fuaset is part of the local food culture. The pastry was created by the inhabitants of Sanfrè around the end of the 18th century and is traditionally baked during Lent in a distinctive shape with five truncated points. Before Easter, Il Fuaset is traditionally distributed to participants in the Cireneo, a Way of the Cross through Sanfrè.

Local rice is also at the heart of the Sagra del Riso di Sanfrè. The festival was established in 2015 to celebrate Sanfrè’s local rice and takes place every year at the beginning of October. For your trip planning, this creates a clearly seasonal culinary point of interest, without overshadowing the town’s other cultural themes.

Cireneo and Other Events

The Cireneo is Sanfrè’s urban Way of the Cross held on Good Friday. The procession passes through fifteen stations. The Lunatika Festival offers a different focus and includes gatherings, talent events and a Color Run. In Sanfrè, religious traditions therefore stand alongside community-oriented events and a festival centred on local rice.

Discover More Places

For the rest of your trip to Italy, you can also explore Brondello, Cerretto Langhe, Cherasco, Trinità, Sinio, Gorzegno, Roe and Vergne.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.