Holiday apartment in Fossano: Castello, Stura and culture

Fossano combines urban history, geology, river landscapes and vibrant traditions. Those planning a holiday apartment in Fossano can therefore tailor their stay to very different interests: exceptional architecture, regional history, walking and cycling experiences, or scheduled events throughout the year.

Castello, churches and museums

The Castello degli Acaja houses Fossano’s municipal library and city archive. The library contains more than 145,000 volumes. From the Castello’s observation tower, the 360-degree view extends across Fossano and the Alpine arc of southern Piedmont.

The religious buildings also provide distinctive cultural highlights. Fossano Cathedral was consecrated in 1791 and built according to a design by Mario Ludovico Quarini. The Church of the Brotherhood of the Holy Trinity, known as Battuti Rossi, was built between 1730 and 1739. Its interior has a Greek-cross floor plan, two side chapels, a semicircular presbytery and twelve choir lofts.

The Museo Diocesano in Fossano displays religious paintings, wooden sculptures, silverwork and liturgical vestments from the 17th and 18th centuries; silverwork and liturgical vestments are expressly among the exhibited items. The Museo Federico Sacco is located in the premises of the Cassa di Risparmio treasury on Via Roma. It was established in 2016, opened in 2021 and is intended to promote geotourism. On display are a geological time spiral and an interactive table where visitors can explore the properties of different rocks.

Stura landscape and trails

Fossano’s natural side includes its location on the Stura River. The area contains a fossil forest accessible via the Sentiero del Pastore, regarded as the oldest known fossil forest in Italy to date. Fossano is also one of the 14 municipalities in the protected Parco fluviale Gesso e Stura.

For active days, the “Camminatura” trail network offers more than 160 kilometres of marked cycling and hiking trails along the Stura River. The combination of river landscapes, trails and geological themes thus opens up various opportunities for shaping your travel plans around activity and discovery.

Traditions throughout the year

In June, Fossano hosts the traditional Palio dei Borghi – Giostra de l’Oca. This tradition includes a costume parade based on the 16th century, as well as non-violent competitions today featuring horse racing and archery. Another established tradition is the Fiera del Vitello Grasso. It always takes place on the two Wednesdays before Easter. At the town’s Foro Boario, local breeders exhibit their finest calves of the Piemontese breed.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

The Fossano area can be reached via the Turin–Savona and Turin–Cuneo railway lines. Fossano railway station serves as a junction for both lines and is served every 30 minutes. It has a total of seven tracks for passenger services.

A holiday apartment in Fossano may be worth considering if you want to combine culture, nature, regional traditions and a documented rail connection in your travel plans. Depending on whether museums and churches, the Stura landscape or an event in the annual calendar is the main focus, you can organise your further considerations accordingly.

More destinations for your planning

For broader travel planning, you can also consider Valdieri, Marene, Moretta, Boves, Bra, Lequio Tanaro, Piazza and San Chiaffredo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.