Best things to do in Saluzzo

Castello della Manta is a castle at Manta near Saluzzo, Province of Cuneo, region of Piedmont, in northern Italy.

The original building, dating from the 12th century, was later enlarged and transformed into a noble residence by the Saluzzo della Manta family, margraves of Saluzzo.

Among the numerous rooms, the Baronial Hall (Salone Baronale) is notable for the fresco cycle decorating its walls, a rare masterpiece of Late Gothic painting in northern Italy. The work is attributed to the anonymous Master of Castello della Manta. The cycle, completed soon after 1420, portrays the Nove Prodi, the Nine Worthies with their Nine Female Heroines. The artist may have used as models members of the House of the Margraves of Saluzzo. The figures are shown wearing precious contemporary clothing. Also depicted is the so-called Fountain of Youth, a theme taken from the tradition of French medieval stories. The scene is inspired by the poem by Marquess Thomas III of Saluzzo, Le Chevalier Errant).

The Sala delle Grottesche was decorated in the Mannerist style of the 16th century, and was commissioned by Count Michele Antonio della Manta around 1560. It has a finely painted ceiling, decorated with stuccoes, grotesques, ancient ruins and buildings.

Annexed to the castle is the church, whose apse has a series of frescoes about the life of Christ dating from the same time as the Baronial Hall decorations.

One of the residences of the Royal House of Savoy, Castello di Racconigi attracts visitors with its magnificent landscaped park and palace. André Le Notre, designer of one of the Versailles' gardens, had a hand in the garden on the castle's north side. Along the small manmade lake, you'll see the English garden influence, complete with small structures reminiscent of the English countryside, such as a Gothic-style chapel, and a Doric temple. The last Russian czar, Nicolas II, is honored with a Russian dacha, or summer home, on the grounds. For a small fee, you can explore the castle's Neoclassic interior. Reliefs and murals depict the feats of mythological characters and glorify the surroundings.

Renowned as the biggest alpine fortification in Europe, Forte di Fenestrelle dominates the hills above Fenestrelle. Often nicknamed "The Great Wall of the Alps," this giant fortress occupies 130 hectares (320 acres) of land. Built by the House of Savoy in the late 17th century, this fortress sat at a strategic point by the French border at a time when Europe was aflame with wars of nation-building. The complex includes three major forts, ramparts, batteries, barracks, powder magazines, warehouses, kitchens, a governor's mansion, a parade ground, and a church. Due to pillaging over time, the fortress is now in a state of preservation and reconstruction: your entry fees will help with this process.