Holiday apartment in Prunetto: Culture, gastronomy and trails in the Alta Langa

Prunetto is located in the Alta Langa in Piedmont, on a ridge between the Bormida and Uzzone valleys. Its position between the two valleys shapes orientation in the village and its integration into the hilly landscape.

Ridge, hairpin bends and trails

Prunetto can be reached from Monesiglio and Cortemilia via a series of hairpin bends winding up through the hills. Anyone planning the journey from Monesiglio or Cortemilia should take the winding ascent into account as part of the route.

The fourth stage of the GTL – Grande Traversata delle Langhe – from Prunetto to Gottasecca begins in the centre of Prunetto and leads into the Bosco dei Faggi in the Uzzone Valley. The village centre, the Uzzone Valley and the Bosco dei Faggi mark different sections of the same stage route.

Percorso 4 is a short, accessible circular route for an easy walk or a basic-level hike. It runs along a wide, well-maintained path with few changes in gradient and a predominantly compact, level surface. For a walk, the path width, surface and few changes in gradient can be taken directly into account when planning the day. The two routes have different focuses: the GTL stage leads from Prunetto towards Gottasecca and Bosco dei Faggi, while Percorso 4 is designed as a short circular route.

Sanctuary, castle access and frescoes

The cultural sites include the Santuario della Madonna del Carmine, a 14th-century sanctuary. Some of its valuable frescoes are attributed to itinerant painters, while others are attributed to the painter Segurano Cigna, who came from the Monregalese area. The historical references range from the sanctuary's 14th-century origins to Battagliera's former function as an access route to the castle.

La Battagliera is a portico with a square floor plan that formerly served as the historic access to the castle.

During a guided tour of the Santuario della Madonna del Carmine, visitors can admire the frescoes and the church's architecture.

Festivals throughout the year

Every year in Prunetto, a triduum is held on the Sunday closest to 16 July in preparation for a procession in honour of the Madonna del Carmine. The date is tied to a precisely designated Sunday in July.

Another fixed date is the Festa di San Matteo, held on the third Sunday in September. Over the course of the year, these two events take place in different months: the triduum in July and the Festa di San Matteo in September.

Local cuisine and craft traditions

“Degustando tra i Borghi” is a gastronomic walk in the Parco del Castello of Prunetto. Local cuisine is served alongside the typical Dolcetto from the Langhe, beer and music; the event is aimed at all age groups.

Groups and school classes can learn about making bread in a wood-fired oven and the art of cheesemaking in Prunetto. These craft-related activities complement the gastronomic walk with the hands-on production of bread in a wood-fired oven and the art of cheesemaking.

Discover more places

Pradleves, San Lorenzo, Breolungi, Santo Stefano Belbo, Murazzano, Melle, Ricca and Sampeyre

For the overarching travel overview: Cuneo.