What to see in Bra

A Brief Guide to the Capital of Roero

Are you planning a trip to the Roero region and unsure where to start? Read this article to discover what to see in Bra, the perfect starting point for your Roero adventure.

Bra, a charming town in the province of Cuneo, is located about 50 km from the provincial capital, 50 km from Turin, and just 15 km from the more famous Alba. As the most important center in the Roero area, this hilly region, together with Langhe and Monferrato, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bra is situated on a plateau historically used for pastures, which is reflected in its name. The name “Bra” likely derives from the Lombard word “brayda,” meaning a plot of land used for grazing, or the Celtic “braille,” which also means pasture.

The History of Bra

Understanding the history of Bra adds depth to your visit. Before the fall of the Roman Empire, the area was a peripheral territory of Pollentia, the most significant Roman city in the region. With the invasions of Germanic tribes, many Pollentia inhabitants moved to the safer, more defensible plateau of Bra. Throughout the Middle Ages, Bra remained a minor center, contested between Asti and Alba and later involved in the Monferrato wars. In the mid-14th century, it fell to the Visconti, and in 1515, it was sacked by the French and destroyed by the Savoy in 1537. The Savoy took control in 1559, marking the beginning of Bra’s growth in importance within the Roero and Langhe regions. It became a significant commercial and industrial center, attracting many wealthy families. They built beautiful palaces and churches, making its historic center a major attraction today.

What to See in Bra: The Church of San Paolo

Start your exploration by parking in Piazza XX Settembre (if you’re driving) and walking along Corso Garibaldi to reach the small Piazza Caduti della Libertà. Here, you’ll immediately notice the Baroque façade of Bra’s most important church: the Church of San Paolo. Originally designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini from Rome and adapted by Guarino Guarini, this church was first dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament and later to Saint Paul when it replaced the old, dilapidated church of San Paolo as the parish church. This dual dedication is visible on the façade, featuring both the Blessed Sacrament’s monstrance and a statue of Saint Paul. The interior is adorned with numerous paintings, gilded stuccoes, and statues, making it a prime example of Piedmontese Baroque art. The various side chapels, each housing valuable works, are particularly noteworthy.

The Chapel of the Rosary, for example, showcases a large canvas by Jean Claret from 1642, depicting the Madonna with Child, surrounded by Saint Dominic, Saint Catherine, and Saint Pius V, a promoter of the Rosary. The Chapel of San Sebastiano (patron saint of the city along with the Madonna dei Fiori) features a grand altar with a painting of Saint Sebastian’s martyrdom by the Savoyard painter Claudio Francesco Beaumont. Surrounding it are works by Pietro Paolo Operti, depicting Saint Roch, Saint Victoria, and allegories of Justice and Prudence. Don’t miss the presbytery and the high relief of Saint Andrew’s martyrdom by Davide Calandra from Savigliano.

Piazza Caduti della Libertà

Besides the Church of San Paolo, Piazza Caduti della Libertà is home to two other significant buildings, making it one of the city’s most characteristic spots. Adjacent to the church is the Town Hall, with its distinctive undulating Baroque façade, dating back to medieval times but redesigned by architect Vittone. Don’t just admire the façade’s sinuous form; take a closer look at the large fresco on the portal and the two fascinating sundials for solar clock enthusiasts.

Opposite the Town Hall, you’ll find Palazzo Mathis, another medieval foundation now showcasing Baroque features. Today, it houses the Tourist Assistance Office, where you can obtain information and a map to better navigate the city. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see the noble floor with its frescoes and numerous 18th-century paintings, often displayed in art exhibitions supported by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Bra. At the top of the square is Palazzo Garrone, notable for its imposing Neodoric colonnade, a 20th-century addition. In the center of the square stands the statue of Saint Giuseppe Cottolengo, Bra’s most famous citizen and founder of the Little House of Divine Providence in Turin.

The Church of the Holy Trinity

Adjacent to Palazzo Mathis, along Corso Cottolengo, you’ll find the Church of the Holy Trinity, home to the Confraternity of the White Penitents and a true jewel of Piedmontese Baroque. Even Vittorio Sgarbi considers it the finest example of Piedmontese Baroque! While its exterior is relatively simple, with only a few statue-filled niches, the interior is a stunning display of elaborate, gleaming white stuccoes that fill the church with light.

Inside, you’ll notice four large frescoes by Cherasco artist Sebastiano Taricco. In the Chapel of the Name of Jesus, admire the beautiful canvas by Charles Dauphin, depicting the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. Whether or not you’re an art enthusiast, the beauty of this church is sure to impress. However, it’s often closed, so to ensure a visit either

• go on a Sunday after the 12 PM Mass
• or contact the Bra Tourist Office or the Confraternity of the White Penitents.

More Churches to See in Bra

Two more must-see churches in Bra are the Church of Santa Chiara and the Church of San Giovanni Decollato. The Church of Santa Chiara, located up Via Barbacana from Piazza Caduti della Libertà, stands out for its unique quadrilobate shape, designed by architect Bernardo Antonio Vittone for both aesthetic and practical purposes. Inside, Pietro Paolo Operti’s splendid paintings are highlighted by light filtering through the double-dome openings. The church’s perfect acoustics also make it a popular venue for music events.

The Church of San Giovanni Decollato, or the Church of the Black Penitents, is a small, simple church located on Via Vittorio Emanuele, near the intersection with Via Cavour, the main street for Bra’s most famous eateries. Its single nave features a grand, decorated altar and interesting Baroque works, including Jean Claret’s Saint John the Baptist and four paintings by Agostino Cottolengo, brother of the famous saint mentioned earlier and a talented artist.

What to See in Bra: La Zizzola

If you’re up for a somewhat steep climb, visit La Zizzola, the building that dominates Bra from its highest hill. Built in 1840 as a private residence, it was donated to the municipality of Bra in 1962. Its octagonal shape and turret have made it the city’s symbol, now housing a space called the “House of the Braidesi.” Here, you can view images, videos, interviews, and objects that highlight notable people and moments in Bra’s history. For visitors, it offers a chance to connect with the city’s elegant yet rural spirit. Plus, its location provides the best view of Bra and a splendid 360° panorama of the Langhe and Roero regions.

Museums in Bra

Bra boasts several museums catering to diverse interests.

• The Craveri Natural History Museum, the most important of its kind in the province of Cuneo, offers extensive insights into natural sciences, from mineralogy to zoology and paleontology. It also features unique educational experiences for children to foster their interest in natural sciences.

• In the late-Gothic Palazzo Traversa, you’ll find the Archaeological and Art History Museum, showcasing Roman artifacts from the Pollenzo area and medieval objects and artworks from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
• The Toy Museum, with over 1,000 pieces dating from the 18th century to the 1960s, provides themed areas and guided tours, along with workshops for children run by professional educators.

• The Museum of Mechanical Writing is a must for typewriter enthusiasts, featuring over 300 functioning pieces from around the world, the oldest from 1873 and the most recent among the earliest computers. This museum is open by appointment only, so contact the museum at musei@braservizi.com if interested.

Hall of the Toy Museum

What to See in Bra: Pollenzo

A worthwhile detour is the Pollenzo hamlet, a few kilometers away. Once a major Roman city in Piedmont, its glorious past is hinted at by tourist signs and the layout of houses following the amphitheater’s perimeter. In the 19th century, King Carlo Alberto transformed Pollenzo in neo-medieval style.

On Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, you’ll find key buildings like the Church of Saint Victor the Martyr and the neo-Gothic Pollenzo Agency, home to the University of Gastronomic Sciences and the Wine Bank, an archive of Italy’s best wines. The Pollenzo Agency also houses the four-star Albergo dell’Agenzia, with each room dedicated to a Barolo, Barbaresco, or Roero vineyard, highlighting its connection to the surrounding wine region.

What to Eat in Bra: Local Products and Events

Bra’s favorable location has led to the development of culinary masterpieces. The most famous is Bra Sausage, made from lean veal and 30% pork belly, enjoyed raw or cooked. Bra DOP Cheese, available in soft and hard varieties, and Bra Bread, extraordinarily digestible and light due to its 24-hour leavening, are local specialties. The Slow Food movement was born here in the 1980s, making Bra a global point of reference for food and wine enthusiasts. Every two years, it hosts “Cheese,” an event that attracts visitors from all over the world.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Bra’s attractions, from historical sites to culinary delights, ensuring a memorable visit to the Roero and Langhe regions. Enjoy your trip!

Last Tips

Now that you know what to see in Bra, all you have to do is decide on the day to visit it. If you are looking for some structure to spend the night click here and discover the best structures at the best prices.
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