Vicoforte between the Santuario, history and enjoyment

Vicoforte combines sacred architecture, traditional festivals, local cuisine and paths through a hilly landscape. At its centre is the Basilica Santuario Regina Montis Regalis, complemented by historic churches, special events and the Magnificat project. If you would like to combine culture, spiritual places and enjoyable experiences, Vicoforte offers several different points of interest for planning your trip.

The Santuario as an architectural focal point

The Basilica Santuario Regina Montis Regalis in Vicoforte is dedicated to the Nativity of Mary. Its particular architectural significance lies in its being home to the world's largest elliptical masonry dome. Thus, it is not only the religious dedication that takes centre stage, but also an exceptional building whose dimensions and form constitute a cultural focal point in their own right. The Santuario is also the setting for several events and projects associated with Vicoforte.

Churches and historical traces

Among the other historical highlights is the Church of Santi Pietro e Paolo in Fiamenga. It dominates a hill overlooking the town of Mondovì; frescoes from the 14th century have been preserved beside its entrance. The parish church of San Donato was founded in the 11th century by the “del Vasto” family. Both churches provide access to different periods and complement the view of the sacred history surrounding Vicoforte.

Festivals between pilgrimage, market and cuisine

The traditional Fera d'la Madona, a pilgrimage and Santuario fair in Vicoforte, originated in 1603. Its programme includes 8 September as the festival, 9 September as the fair and the concluding “Ferota” day on 10 September. The “Florete Flores” festival focuses on flowers and plants: the fair, with its market character, takes place on the first weekend of June in the square and at the Palazzata of the Santuario.

Wine walk and local producers

Vicoforte's culinary side is also reflected in its own event formats. “Mangiando sotto le stelle” is a night-time culinary wine walk along a circular route of around 6 kilometres through the hills of Vicoforte. It passes seven refreshment stations where wines and typical dishes from local producers in Vicoforte are offered. At “Fior di Proloco”, the local Pro Loco associations prepare their typical dishes.

Hills, tree and route orientation

The giant sequoia of Vicoforte represents the landscape aspect. It is not enclosed in a private park but is accessible to everyone. Another specific point of orientation is the Vicoforte section of the Landandè route: it begins at car parks on Via al Santuario. This allows both a natural feature and a documented route starting point to be taken into account when planning, without equating the two topics.

A special view of the Santuario

The “Magnificat” project enables visitors to climb to the lantern of the Santuario Regina Montis Regalis at a height of 60 metres. Together with the Fera d'la Madona and the churches in Vicoforte and Fiamenga, it creates a travel picture in which architectural history, pilgrimage and local tradition stand closely side by side.

Your choice of accommodation

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation, you can base your stay around these themes: sacred architecture around the Santuario, historic churches, culinary events, wine and hilly landscapes. It is particularly useful to decide in advance whether the festivals, architecture, local cuisine or landscape is the main reason for your visit to Vicoforte.

If you would like to extend your trip planning beyond Vicoforte, you can also include Frabosa Soprana, Feisoglio, Villafalletto, Ceresole Alba, Gorzegno, Corneliano D'alba, Artesina and Cuneo as further points of orientation.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.