Hi! Time for a new Piedmont article! Before I begin, I’ve linked my first one—about the town of Barolo—down below, in case you haven’t read it yet!
As you’ve probably already deduced from the title, this article is about Mondovì— specifically the older part of this city. This area is accessible by car or via the funicular, where you can admire the surrounding lanscape. My family and I chose to go by car, as we felt it was more comfortable at the moment.
The Iconic Funicular
While we opted for the car, you can’t talk about Mondovì without mentioning its famous funicular connecting the newer part of the city (Breo) and the older one (Piazza). It’s a perfect way to reach the medieval district without having to wait for other public transport, and it arrives every ten minutes. The funicular is historic, first inaugurated in 1886 to ease the distance between Breo and Piazza; it has, over time, undergone several transformations.
Wandering the Marvelous Streets of Piazza
The Heart of Piazza Mondovì
As I stepped into the main square, Piazza Maggiore, I was captivated by its beauty and architectural precision. It’s a Gothic and Baroque-style square that once also served as the city’s political center. Since there weren’t many people around, I took my time to take in all the beautiful, historical details—such as the Ceramics Museum with its fascinating frescoed facade, the Church of San Francesco Saverio decorated with intricate details, and the elegant Antico Palazzo di Città. I also enjoyed walking through the porticoes, where I discovered they had transformed some areas into cafes; truly nice!
The Belvedere Gardens
Afterwards, we dived into the streets, and after a while, we arrived at our final destination and the highest point of the area: the Belvedere Gardens. As it stands on top of Monte Regale, this is one of the city’s most famous sites, offering a panoramic view of the Alps, the Langhe, and the surrounding area.
It is also called the Park of Time due to its historic medieval tower, known as the Civic Tower of the Belvedere (or the ‘Bressani,’ named after the family who made it a symbol of prestige). Standing at the center of the site, it is truly imposing; I’ve never seen something like it! The clock has only one hand, yet you can clearly see the time from quite far away! 🙂
Surrounding the Tower, you’ll find fascinating displays of ancient timekeeping. There is a unique horizontal sundial that doesn’t just show local time, but also tracks the ancient Italic, Babylonian cycles. It’s a wonderful mix of art and science spread across the park’s landscape.
Why Mondovì Piazza Stole a Piece of My Heart
After visiting this area of Mondovì, I can tell that it was truly beautiful and well worth visiting and admiring. Even though they are part of the same city, Piazza and Breo are two completely different worlds, which I find fascinating; one is a bustling center with shops and cafes, while the other is more tranquil. It almost felt like stepping into another era once I arrived in Piazza. The Belvedere Gardens were also intriguing with their theme of time—and especially because of the medieval tower! If you’re planning a few days in Piedmont, Mondovì should definitely be on your list! 🙂
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