Cuneo history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Cuneo dates back to 1198. Unlike many other Italian cities, it did not arise by the will of a feudal lord or an emperor, but as a result of the unification of local residents. The population of the surrounding lands, tired of the oppression by the Bishop of Asti and the Marquises of Monferrato and Saluzzo, found refuge on a high plateau, founding a free commune.

The city received its name due to its unique topography: the word cuneo translates from Italian as "wedge". This accurately describes the triangular shape of the elevation on which the historic centre was founded.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of a small settlement into an important regional centre was driven by several factors:

• Geography and Defence: The city is situated on a natural elevation at the confluence of two rivers — the Stura di Demonte and the Gesso. These water barriers created a natural fortress that was easy to defend against enemy armies.
• Strategic Location: Cuneo was located on the route to the Alpine passes leading to France and the Ligurian coast. This made it the "key" to southern Piedmont.
• Political Flexibility: To survive whilst surrounded by powerful enemies, the city frequently changed protectors, moving under the protection of the Angevin dynasty, and later the House of Savoy, while maintaining significant autonomy.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Already in the early Middle Ages, Cuneo formed its unique appearance and economic model:

• Fortress City: Due to the constant threat of sieges, the city's architecture developed with a focus on fortification. Cuneo was rebuilt repeatedly, turning into an impregnable bastion.
• Trade Hub: Important routes for transporting salt and grain passed through the city. This contributed to the development of the merchant class and the appearance of the famous city porticoes (arcades), which allowed trade to be conducted in any weather.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1198: Residents of the surrounding lands unite and found a free commune on a protected plateau between the Stura and Gesso rivers.
• 1259: The city comes under the patronage of Charles I of Anjou, becoming the main stronghold of Angevin power in Piedmont.
• 1382: Cuneo voluntarily submits to Amadeus VI of Savoy, linking its future destiny with the Savoy dynasty.
• 1557: The city withstands a heavy siege by French troops, earning a reputation as an impregnable fortress and a loyal ally of the Dukes of Savoy.
• 1614: In recognition of its merits and loyalty, Duke Charles Emmanuel I officially grants Cuneo the status of a city.
• 1744: During the War of the Austrian Succession, the garrison and residents successfully repel an attack by the combined Franco-Spanish army.
• 1800: During the Napoleonic era, the demolition of the old fortress walls begins, opening up space for urban expansion and the creation of squares.
• 1817: After the Restoration, Cuneo becomes the centre of the diocese of the same name and the administrative capital of the province.
• 1855: The opening of the railway line connecting Cuneo with Turin gives a powerful impetus to the economic and industrial development of the region.
• 1937: Construction of the grand Soleri Viaduct across the Stura River is completed, significantly improving the city's transport accessibility.
• 1945: The city is liberated from occupation, and for its contribution to the Resistance movement, it is later awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valour.
• 2015: The completion of a large-scale restoration of the main street, Via Roma, transforms the historic centre into a comfortable pedestrian zone.

Stages of Urban and Economic Development

The development of Cuneo was defined by its complex geography and strategic role in the region. Several key transformations can be highlighted that shaped the modern appearance of the city:

• Establishment of a Unique Layout (13th Century)
  The construction of the city on a triangular plateau (the "wedge") set a strict grid of streets with a central axis. This urban planning decision allowed for the efficient use of limited space and laid the foundation for the famous city porticoes, which became the centre of medieval trade.
• Transformation into a Fortress City (16th–18th Centuries)
  Constant wars cemented Cuneo's status as a military bastion. This restrained territorial growth but stimulated the development of dense vertical buildings inside the walls and the formation of powerful defensive infrastructure, parts of which are integrated into the modern landscape.
• Demolition of Walls and Urban Expansion (1800)
  The dismantling of fortifications during the Napoleonic era became a turning point. The city expanded beyond the historic "wedge", allowing for the creation of one of the largest squares in Italy — Piazza Galimberti, which became the new social and commercial centre.
• Railway Revolution (1855)
  The connection by rail with Turin integrated agrarian Cuneo into the economic system of Piedmont. This gave impetus to the export of local products (chestnuts, silk) and the beginning of the primary industrialisation of the region.
• Overcoming Water Isolation (1930s)
  The construction of grand viaducts across the Stura and Gesso rivers, including the monumental Soleri Viaduct, solved the problem of transport accessibility. The city ceased to be an isolated plateau and turned into an important transit hub on the way to France.
• Industrial Boom (1960s)
  The opening of large production facilities, including the Michelin plant, radically changed the city's economy. Cuneo transformed from a trading centre into an industrial one, which entailed an influx of population and active construction of new residential districts.
• Pedestrian Renovation (21st Century)
  Large-scale reconstruction of the historic centre and Via Roma restored the city's tourism appeal. The focus shifted from industry to the service sector, culture, and culinary tourism, making the city comfortable for pedestrians.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Cuneo is unique in its linearity. The city developed along a central axis on a wedge-shaped plateau, which predetermined its structure. The main unifying feature of all eras has become the famous arcades (porticoes), which stretch for 8 kilometres, connecting the medieval centre with modern districts and protecting pedestrians from rain and snow.

Evolution of Styles and Iconic Buildings

In the city's appearance, one can clearly trace the change of historical eras, moving from the tip of the "wedge" (the old town) to its base (new districts):

• Middle Ages and Gothic (12th–15th Centuries)
  The historic core of the city is concentrated around the old part of Via Roma. Dense buildings and narrow alleys have been preserved here.
  Iconic landmark: Monumental Complex of San Francesco. The former church and monastery are a vivid example of Gothic architecture with characteristic pointed arches and a strict facade. It now houses the city museum.
• Baroque (17th–18th Centuries)
  During the heyday of the Savoy state, the city was enriched with elegant religious buildings in the Piedmontese Baroque style. This style is characterised by domes, rich interior decoration, and a play with space.
  Iconic landmarks: Church of Sant'Ambrogio (a masterpiece by architect Francesco Gallo) and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Bosco (although its facade was rebuilt in the 19th century in the Neoclassical style, the structure and dome have retained the Baroque spirit).
• Neoclassicism (19th Century)
  After the demolition of the fortress walls, the city gained the opportunity to "breathe". Architects turned to ancient ideals of rigour, symmetry, and monumentality.
  Iconic landmark: Piazza Galimberti. A huge central square surrounded by palaces with porticoes and terraces. This is the city's "living room", where architecture expresses the order and grandeur of the new era.
• Rationalism and Modernism (20th Century)
  With the expansion of the city along Corso Nizza (a continuation of Via Roma), buildings in the Rationalist style, characteristic of the 1930s, appeared, as well as bold engineering solutions.
  Iconic landmark: Soleri Viaduct. A grand bridge with high arches, which became a symbol of industrial development and victory over the region's complex geography.

Prominent Figures Linked to Cuneo

Cuneo has given Italy and the world many talented people who have left their mark on science, culture, and history. Here are some of the most significant figures whose lives were inextricably linked with this city:

• Giuseppe Peano (1858–1932)
  Mathematician, logician, and linguist
  One of the greatest mathematicians of his time, born in the suburbs of Cuneo. He is known as the creator of the axiomatization of natural numbers ("Peano axioms") and a founder of mathematical logic. He also developed the artificial international language "Latino sine flexione".
• Tancredi "Duccio" Galimberti (1906–1944)
  Lawyer and hero of the Resistance
  A key figure in the anti-fascist movement in Piedmont. His famous speech, delivered from the balcony of his home on Cuneo's main square in 1943, became a symbol of the beginning of the popular struggle. He was killed by fascists and posthumously awarded the Gold Medal for Military Valour. The main square of the city bears his name.
• Nuto Revelli (1919–2004)
  Writer and historian
  An officer of the Alpine troops and a partisan who dedicated his post-war life to preserving memory. In his books, he documented the tragic experience of Italian soldiers on the Russian front and the hard life of Piedmont peasants, becoming the "voice" of the common people of his region.
• Franco Andrea Bonelli (1784–1830)
  Naturalist and ornithologist
  An outstanding scientist born in Cuneo. He made a huge contribution to the classification of animal species and the development of the Egyptian Museum in Turin. A rare species of bird of prey — Bonelli's eagle — is named in his honour.
• Giorgio Bocca (1920–2011)
  Journalist and writer
  A native of Cuneo who became one of the most influential Italian journalists of the 20th century. A participant in the partisan movement, he became famous for his sharp political investigations and books on the history of modern Italy.
• Giorgio Federico Ghedini (1892–1965)
  Composer and music teacher
  A well-known representative of 20th-century Italian classical music. Born in Cuneo, he taught at the conservatories of Turin and Milan, educating a generation of famous musicians, including Claudio Abbado.
• Gianmaria Testa (1958–2016)
  Musician and poet
  A popular singer-songwriter whose work is highly appreciated in Italy and France. For a long time, he worked as the station master at the railway station in Cuneo, which was reflected in his poetic and melancholic songs.