Discover Polonghera: Churches, Nature and Castle History

Polonghera combines religious buildings, local history and nature experiences within a compact thematic area. If you are planning a holiday apartment in Polonghera, you can spend your days visiting churches and historic buildings, following a nature trail through fields and exploring the area around the Torrente Varaita. Festivals, a distinctive museum and insights into the town’s historical significance round out the experience.

Churches and History in Polonghera

The Chiesa di Santa Maria di Codevilla is considered to have already existed in the 10th century. Based on a design by the architect Giuseppe Talucchi, it was rebuilt between 1838 and 1841. This building therefore reflects both a very distant past and a clearly documented phase of 19th-century renewal.

The Chiesa di San Pietro in Vincoli was built in 1489 on the site of a chapel dedicated to the Holy Sepulchre. Inside, its ceiling roundels depict saints and biblical figures. Those interested in religious art and historic interior details will find a specific reason here to consciously include the cultural side of their stay in their plans.

Another important stop is the Santuario della Madonna del Pilone. Construction of the present sanctuary began in 1714 following a vow made by the population during an outbreak of a severe cattle disease. The main altar was completely rebuilt by Giovan Battista Bernero in 1794. The Festa della Beata Vergine del Pilone takes place on the second Sunday of September.

Polonghera Castle also tells the story of the town’s location: it is known as a “castello di pianura” and was built at a strategic point where salt was transported from the Nice area to Turin and Savoy. The Palazzo dei Conti Fossati has housed the municipal administration and primary school together for more than a century; its town tower offers panoramic views over the entire town. The Museo del Soldatino e del figurino storico displays more than 3,000 reproductions in three halls.

Nature Among Fields and River Landscapes

The Percorso natura Martinetto Teresa nature trail leads from the town centre through cultivated fields to the area around the Torrente Varaita. Herons and storks can be observed there. A woodland path on this Percorso natura Martinetto Teresa also leads to the Santuario della Beata Vergine del Pilone and its garden with pergolas. The trail thus combines different landscape impressions with a cultural destination.

The Confluenza del Varaita nature reserve is also part of Polonghera’s natural environment. It covers around 170 hectares and lies partly within the municipality of Polonghera. For your travel planning, this creates a clear contrast between the town’s historic buildings and a landscape where observation and walks are the main focus.

The Right Holiday Apartment for Your Stay

When choosing your holiday apartment in Polonghera, you can therefore start by considering your preferred daily rhythm. If churches, castle history and the museum are your priorities, a culturally focused itinerary is a good option. If you would like to spend more time outdoors, the Percorso natura Martinetto Teresa, the fields along the Torrente Varaita and the nature reserve become the main attractions. The Sagra dell’Agnolotto e del Canestrello di Polonghera, organised by the Pro Loco, reached its 17th edition and complements the historic sights with a local festival tradition.

Discover More Destinations

If you would like to consider other places for your travel plans in addition to Polonghera, see: San Donato Di Mango, Roccasparvera, Carrù, Castelmagno, Villa, Feisoglio, Cigliè and Clavesana.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.