Discover Pianfei: churches, Lago di Pianfei and trails

Pianfei is home to churches and chapels. The area around Lago di Pianfei offers hiking and cycling trails.

Getting there and initial orientation

From Cuneo, Pianfei can be reached via the Strada Provinciale 564 over a distance of 13 kilometres. The 13 kilometres provide a concrete planning figure for travelling by road from Cuneo to Pianfei. Pianfei can also be reached via the Cuneo–Mondovì railway line. MTB Route 5.1 Pianfei–Margarita starts at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.

Churches, chapels and historical details

The parish church of San Giovanni Battista was completed in 1791 in the Piedmontese Baroque style. Its three naves are decorated with significant frescoes. The church also houses an organ with more than 1,000 pipes. It was originally made for the Chiesa di San Francesco Saverio, also known as “della Missione”, in Mondovì, based on a design by Andrea Pozzo. Alongside Piedmontese Baroque, frescoes and the organ shape the church interior.

A few steps from the parish church stands the Church of the Confraternita di San Michele. Beneath its small bell tower, a sundial bears the year 1688. During the Christmas season, San Michele houses the mechanical nativity scene “della Crusà”. The sundial and the nativity scene refer to different points in time: 1688 at the bell tower and the Christmas season inside the church. It is the result of the work of a group of young people, as well as the creativity and dedication of retired helpers. The municipality of Pianfei has numerous old chapels; Pianfei is also home to many votive pillars, some of which date back to the 20th century.

Numerous significant buildings stand along Pianfei’s central streets, some of them dating back to the 17th century.

Those interested in culture will find sacred buildings, historical details and traditional events side by side in the village.

Lago di Pianfei and trails for active days

The route to Lago di Pianfei leads to the wooded hills surrounding the lake. Pianfei–Lago di Pianfei Route 5 is signposted with square white and green trail markers. The square white and green markers provide a concrete orientation aid for Route 5. A walking trail in Pianfei also leads to the Panchina Gigante.

Festivals, nativity scene and regional traditions

The Palio dei Rioni competitions take place in Pianfei in June. Many athletes come to Pianfei during the Outdoor Free Festival. The 17th edition of Mangiandando was a food and wine hiking event on the trails around Lago di Pianfei. On 21 June 2026, Pianfei will host the Sagra del Grano; the traditional transhumance will accompany this festival on the same day.

Other places in Piedmont: Villanova Mondovì, Saliceto, San Michele di Mondovì, Villar San Costanzo, Roe, Magliano Alfieri, Alba and Govone.

Cuneo