Visit Saluzzo Italy: Discover the Medieval Gem of Piedmont

When you visit Saluzzo, you step into a town that seems to have paused time. Sitting at the base of Monte Viso, just an hour from Turin, it’s a maze of cobblestone alleys, medieval towers, and Renaissance palaces that quietly showcase centuries of history. Once a powerful marquisate, today Saluzzo charms with its mix of grand churches, artisan workshops, and lively piazzas where locals still gather. Pair the cultural discoveries with nearby Piedmont wine tours, and you’ll find a destination that blends history, flavors, and landscapes in a way few other towns can match.

Visit Saluzzo and the best things to do

Explore the Renaissance wonder of Casa Cavassa

Casa Cavassa is one of Saluzzo’s standout sights, a Renaissance palace turned museum that still carries the elegance of its past. Once home to the Cavassa family, who served the marquises, it now displays original furniture, decorated wooden ceilings, and striking grisaille frescoes. The highlight is Hans Clemer’s famous altarpiece, a masterpiece that ties the house to the broader artistic legacy of the region.

Visit the fortress of La Castiglia

Perched above Saluzzo, La Castiglia is the town’s imposing castle and a reminder of its marquisate past. Once home to the rulers and later used as a prison under the Savoy, it now houses museums that trace the area’s history through the centuries. Climb through its levels for wide views over the town and surrounding valley, and don’t skip the old drawbridge, a small detail that connects you directly to Saluzzo’s medieval heart.

Wander through the interiors of the Church of San Giovanni

Just below La Castiglia sits the Church of San Giovanni, a 14th-century gem that shows off Gothic architecture at its best. Step inside and you’ll find frescoed walls that have survived for centuries, a peaceful cloister, and the main chapel where the marquises of Saluzzo are buried. It’s less about grandeur and more about atmosphere, a quiet stop that adds real depth to a walk through the old town.

Seek elegance in the Cloister of San Giovanni

Next to the Church of San Giovanni, the cloister offers a quiet break from Saluzzo’s busy streets. Built by the Cistercians, it shows off late Gothic style with arches and stone details that still feel striking centuries later. It’s a calm spot to pause, take in the architecture, and imagine the rhythm of life here during the days of the marquisate.

Walk to Torre Civica and take in the view

The Torre Civica stands tall over Saluzzo and is impossible to miss. Once part of the town’s old bell system, today it doubles as a panoramic lookout. Climb to the top and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views, from the medieval streets and walls below to the Alps and the Po Valley stretching in the distance.

Discover the historical archive at Palazzo Comunale

The Palazzo Comunale, dating back to the 15th century, was once the center of Saluzzo’s civic life. Inside, you’ll find terracotta details, wooden ceilings, and frescoes that have stood the test of time. Today it holds the city’s historical archives, but for visitors it’s more about stepping into another layer of Saluzzo’s past, a glimpse of how the town was run centuries ago.

Take a stroll along the cobbled streets of the ancient city

One of the best ways to experience Saluzzo is simply by walking its cobbled streets. The climb between the lower town and the medieval upper quarter takes you past frescoed façades, tucked-away courtyards, and workshops where artisans still keep traditions alive. It’s less about ticking off sights and more about soaking in the rhythm of a town that wears its history on every corner.

Uncover artistic treasure in the Church of San Bernardino

This lesser-known church is home to some of Saluzzo’s finest frescoes, including works by Hans Clemer. Inside, the mix of Flemish style and local craftsmanship gives the space a unique character, with colors and details that still stand out centuries later. At the high altar, a striking wooden piece completes the picture, a hidden highlight that rewards anyone who takes the time to step in.

Visit Saluzzo and the best things to do around

Explore Fossano

About 30 minutes from Saluzzo, Fossano is a compact town with plenty of medieval character. Its centerpiece is the impressive Acaja Castle, a 14th-century fortress with four corner towers and a drawbridge that takes you straight into its courtyard. Inside, you’ll find museums and exhibitions that highlight the town’s history and art. Beyond the castle, Fossano has lively weekly markets, quiet squares, and churches decorated with Renaissance frescoes. It’s an easy side trip from Saluzzo, especially if you’re drawn to castles and small-town atmosphere.

Drive to Cuneo

Drive to Cuneo and you’ll find a city framed by mountains and filled with arcaded streets that make it perfect for strolling in any weather, 38 minutes away from Saluzzo. Stop in the vast Piazza Galimberti, sample the town’s famous cuneesi al rum chocolates, or explore the weekly market that spills through the center. For more ideas on planning your stop, check out our guide to the best things to do in Cuneo Italy.

Walk to the Alpine majesty of Monviso

Rising above the Cottian Alps and clearly visible from Saluzzo, Monte Viso is one of Piedmont’s most iconic peaks. About 45 minutes by car from Saluzzo, it’s a top escape for hikers, climbers, and anyone who loves mountain air. Trails here aren’t just about scenery, they pass chapels, ruins, and frescoes that recall the time when Saluzzo was ruled by its marquises. With the source of the Po River nearby, a day trip to Monte Viso blends outdoor adventure with a real sense of history.

Taste the highland Barolos

Set high on Serradenari hill, about 26 miles from Saluzzo, this winery sits at one of the loftiest points in the Barolo region, 500 m above sea level, with panoramic views stretching from Monviso to the Alps. What began as an 18th-century farmhouse has been transformed into a modern estate, producing Barolo crus like Serradenari, Fossati, and Bussia. You can stroll through the vineyards, tour the cellar, and taste Barolos that balance tradition with the character of the land, a must-stop on any Piedmont wine journey.

Take a cultural day trip to Turin

Just about an hour from Saluzzo by car or bus, Turin is Italy’s elegant former capital and a city packed with baroque architecture, royal palaces, and world-class museums. Wander through the Savoy residences, step inside Renaissance chapels, and see masterpieces from Flemish painters in historic galleries. The Egyptian Museum and Palazzo Madama are highlights, but Turin is also the perfect place to pause at a café or join one of the many Turin wine tours that connect the city to the surrounding vineyards.

Want the full list of highlights? Don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Turin.

Good to know before visiting Saluzzo