Lascimmia
A Journey Through Art and Traditions
Are you looking for places to spend a day or a weekend between art, nature and tranquility? Then you should continue reading this article to discover the most beautiful painted villages of Piedmont.
Piedmont, in fact, with its rich history and culture, is home to a series of painted villages that are true open-air art galleries. These artistic villages in Piedmont offer a unique experience, combining the beauty of the Piedmont landscape with fascinating mural art works. Below, we will explore the main painted villages in Piedmont, divided by province, and describe the works and attractions that make each of them special.
Painted Villages of Piedmont in the Province of Alessandria
Gavazzana
Gavazzana is located in the province of Alessandria and is a village that has undertaken a fascinating artistic project since 1989. This project, which saw the collaboration with the Academy of Fine Arts of Venice, has led numerous Italian and international artists to transform the village into an open-air art gallery.
Many murals in Gavazzana depict the agricultural and wine-making activities of the area, celebrating the peasant traditions and the typical wine production of Monferrato. These paintings illustrate vineyards, grape harvest scenes and agricultural tools, paying homage to the rural life of the village.
Some murals represent historical events and significant figures for Gavazzana, helping to keep alive the memory of the past. These works are often accompanied by descriptions that explain the historical context, offering visitors an educational as well as visual experience.
Other murals celebrate the natural beauty of Monferrato, with depictions of the hilly landscapes, flora and fauna. These paintings not only decorate the facades of buildings, but also raise awareness among visitors about environmental conservation.
The Gavazzana art project has had a significant impact on the local community and visitors. The murals not only decorate the village, but also tell stories, traditions and values, transforming Gavazzana into a major cultural and tourist destination.
How to get to Gavazzana:
From Alessandria, take the SS10 towards Tortona and then follow the signs for Gavazzana. The journey by car takes about 30 minutes.
Painted Villages of Piedmont in the Province of Asti
Fontanile
Fontanile is a charming village located in Alto Monferrato, famous for its mural project that has transformed the historic center into an open-air art gallery. This project, started in 2009, has seen the participation of both local and international artists, who have created murals on various facades of buildings in the village.
The murals of Fontanile are characterized by a vibrant and colorful style, which celebrates rural life and local traditions. The works range from representations of scenes of daily life, such as the grape harvest and agricultural life, to symbolic images that reflect the cultural heritage of Monferrato. Some murals are dedicated to the enhancement of the history of the village, with references to historical events and emblematic figures of the community. The project has not only beautified the village, but has also created a tourist attraction that promotes the culture and identity of Fontanile.
If you want to get a better idea, you can watch this short video that we shot a few months ago among its streets (Click here). We liked it so much that we included it as a stop on our itineraries between Langhe, Monferrato and Roero.
How to get to Fontanile:
From Asti, take the SP456 towards Nizza Monferrato and then follow the signs for Fontanile. The journey by car takes about 35 minutes.
Painted Villages of Piedmont in the Province of Cuneo
Bergolo
Bergolo, located in the Langhe in the province of Cuneo, is known as “The Stone Village” thanks to its buildings in local stone. Since 1997, the village has started a mural project that has further enriched its charm. The project involved artists who created works inspired by rural life and local tradition.
The Bergolo murals are characterized by scenes that represent daily life, the grape harvest, the hazelnut harvest and other agricultural activities typical of the area. Some works are dedicated to the history of the village and its architecture, with representations of historic buildings and landscapes of the Langhe. These murals not only embellish the village, but also offer food for thought on local history and culture, creating an artistic path that integrates perfectly with the surrounding environment.
How to get to Bergolo:
From Alba, take the SP429 towards Cortemilia and then follow the signs for Bergolo the drive takes about 45 minutes.
Camo
Camo, a hamlet of Santo Stefano Belbo in the Langhe, is renowned for its “Open-Air Museum”. This artistic project began in 2000 and transformed the village into an open-air art gallery, with murals created by local and international artists.
The Open-Air Museum of Camo features a wide range of mural art covering different themes, from rural life and local traditions to more abstract artistic interpretations. The murals adorn the facades of houses and public buildings, creating an artistic path that invites visitors to explore the village and discover the works. This project has not only beautified Camo, but has also created a sense of community and attracted tourists from all over the world.
How to get to Camo:
From Alba, take the SP3 towards Santo Stefano Belbo and then follow the signs for Camo. The journey by car takes about 30 minutes.
Vernante
Vernante is a village located in the province of Cuneo, known for its murals dedicated to Pinocchio and his creator, Carlo Collodi. This project, started in 2005, has seen the creation of over 150 murals that tell the story of Pinocchio through scenes from the famous book.
The murals of Vernante are painted on the facades of houses and public buildings, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that fascinates visitors of all ages. Each mural represents an episode of the story of Pinocchio, with details and bright colors that capture the imagination. This project has transformed Vernante into an open-air museum, celebrating the figure of Collodi and his masterpiece in a unique and evocative context.
How to get to Vernante:
From Cuneo, take the SS20 towards Borgo San Dalmazzo and then follow the signs for Vernante. The journey by car takes about 30 minutes.
Painted Villages of Piedmont in the Province of Turin
Maglione
Maglione, located in the province of Turin, is home to the M.A.C.A.M., an acronym for the Maglione Open-Air Museum of Contemporary Art. This artistic project, launched in 2012, transforms the village into a vast open-air art gallery. M.A.C.A.M. has involved contemporary artists of national and international level, who have created murals on buildings and public walls of the village.
The M.A.C.A.M. project stands out for its ability to blend contemporary art and historical context. The murals, which adorn the facades of the buildings, deal with various and innovative themes, from everyday life to the concept of community, to exploring social and cultural reflections. Each work of art is designed to integrate with the traditional architecture of the village, creating a stimulating and visually interesting contrast. In addition, the M.A.C.A.M. also hosts temporary installations and street art works, making Maglione a point of reference for contemporary art enthusiasts.
How to get to Maglione:
From Turin, take the A4 motorway towards Ivrea and then exit at Chivasso. Continue on the SP10 towards Maglione. The journey by car takes about 45 minutes.
Marentino
Marentino, located in the province of Turin, is known as “The Town of Rebuses”. The artistic project, which began in 2008, has transformed the village into an open-air art gallery, with murals representing puzzles to be solved.
The murals of Marentino are distributed along the streets of the village and invite visitors to solve puzzles depicted in artistic form. Each mural puzzle is accompanied by a solution that can be found near the work itself, making the visit an interactive and fun experience. This project not only beautifies the village, but involves visitors in an intellectual game that enhances creativity and ingenuity.
How to get to Marentino:
From Turin, take the SP590 towards Chieri and then follow the signs for Marentino. The journey by car takes about 30 minutes.
Usseaux
Usseaux, located in the province of Turin, is one of the most fascinating villages in the Cottian Alps, known for its murals and sundials. This village, which is part of the circuit of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”, started its artistic project in the 90s, involving local and international artists.
The murals of Usseaux depict scenes of peasant life, popular stories and local legends. The sundials, painted on the facades of the houses, add a touch of historical charm, showing time in an artistic and functional way. These artistic elements not only embellish the village, but also offer a journey through history andculture of the Piedmont mountains.
How to get to Usseaux:
From Turin, take the A55 towards Pinerolo, then continue on the SR23 towards Sestriere. After Fenestrelle, follow the signs for Usseaux. The journey by car takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Painted Villages of Piedmont in the Province of Novara
Legro
Legro, a hamlet of Orta San Giulio, located in the province of Novara, is a charming village known for its mural project dedicated to cinema and literature. This project, started in 1998, has seen the creation of murals inspired by scenes from films and literary works set in the area around Lake Orta.
The murals of Legro depict scenes from films such as “Il balordo” and “La stanza del vescovo”, as well as quotes from literary works by authors such as Gianni Rodari. The works are painted on the facades of buildings and public walls, creating an artistic path that celebrates the link between Legro and cinematic and literary culture. This project has helped enhance the cultural heritage of the village, attracting visitors and art and film enthusiasts.
How to get to Legro:
From Novara, take the SS229 towards Verbania and then follow the signs for Legro. The journey by car takes about 30 minutes.
Painted Villages in Piedmont the Province of Verbania
Brolo di Nonio
Brolo di Nonio, located in the province of Verbania, is known for its fascinating artistic project that has transformed the village into “The Village of Cats”. This project, launched in 2015, has seen the participation of local and international artists in the creation of murals depicting cats in different poses and situations.
The “Il Paese dei Gatti” project has transformed the facades of buildings and public spaces into a unique visual experience. Each mural features stylized and creatively painted cats, which integrate with the architecture of the village. The murals vary in style, from realistic representations to more imaginative interpretations, creating a suggestive and fascinating environment for visitors.
How to get to Brolo di Nonio:
From Verbania, take the SS34 towards Omegna and then follow the signs for Nonio. The journey by car takes about 40 minutes.
Pogno
Pogno, located in the province of Verbania, is a village that has embraced mural art to enhance its cultural heritage. This art project began in 2015 and has seen the participation of numerous artists who have created murals on the facades of public and private buildings.
The Pogno murals are characterized by a colorful and lively style, which celebrates daily life and local traditions. The works range from representations of peasant life to symbolic and abstract images. This project has helped create a welcoming and inspiring environment for visitors, transforming Pogno into a unique art destination.
How to get to Pogno:
From Verbania, take the SS34 towards Omegna and then follow the signs for Pogno. The journey by car takes approximately 45 minutes.
Quarna Sopra
Quarna Sopra, located in the province of Verbania, is a village known for its art project that has involved local and international artists. The Quarna Sopra project began in 2012 and transformed the village into an open-air art gallery with murals adorning the facades of the buildings.
Quarna Sopra murals are characterized by a creative and innovative style, exploring various themes, from everyday life to nature and the history of the village. Each mural is unique and offers a different artistic perspective, helping to create an inspiring and welcoming environment for visitors.
How to get to Quarna Sopra:
From Verbania, take the SS34 towards Omegna and then follow the signs for Quarna Sopra. The journey by car takes about 50 minutes.
Painted Villages of Piedmont: the StreetAlps Festival in Pinerolo and Torre Pellice
StreetAlps is a street art festival that takes place between the villages of Pinerolo and Torre Pellice, in the province of Turin. This festival, which began in 2014, aims to bring urban art to the Alpine valleys, creating a bridge between the city and the mountains through visually striking murals.
The StreetAlps festival involves internationally renowned artists who create murals on public and private buildings, transforming these villages into open-air art galleries. The works vary in style and theme, offering a wide range of artistic expressions that enrich the urban and natural landscape. Street Alps Festival not only promotes contemporary art, but also promotes the enhancement of the territory and its community.
How to get to Pinerolo:
From Turin, take the A55 towards Pinerolo. The journey by car takes about 40 minutes.
How to get to Torre Pellice:
From Pinerolo, take the SP161 towards Torre Pellice. The journey by car takes about 20 minutes.
These painted villages of Piedmont offer a unique experience, allowing visitors to discover art in a historical and natural context of great beauty. Each village has its own history and peculiarities, making each visit an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Piedmont. We strongly believe that these initiatives can give these small villages a new opportunity for development that can stop their depopulation.
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