Sanfrè: Architectural History, Customs and Sagra del Riso

Sanfrè lies on the edge of the Roero. The town is home to the Castello di Sanfrè, the parish church of Santi Pietro e Paolo, the former parish church of Santissima Trinità, Il Fuaset, the Cireneo, the Sagra del Riso and the Lunatika Festival. Sanfrè thus combines architectural history, religious customs, local pastries, events and cycling.

Castles, Churches and Historical Traces

The Castello di Sanfrè dates back to the early 13th century. The original complex was burned down by the Spanish in the mid-16th century and then rebuilt as a stately residence. The Castello has bastions and a protected passage connecting it to the parish church. The passage thus directly links the castle complex with the sacred building.

The parish church of Santi Pietro e Paolo was rebuilt at the beginning of the 18th century on behalf of the Marchesi Isnardi and designed in the Baroque-Renaissance style by Francesco Gallo. The former parish church of Santissima Trinità in Sanfrè has been documented since 1386. The Cappella dell'Addolorata in Martini, Sanfrè, was rebuilt in 1916. For those interested in culture, the parish church, former parish church and chapel are the main points of interest here.

The Motta degli Isnardi complex in Sanfrè comprises twelve farmsteads named after the twelve apostles. The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena in this complex has a single-nave layout. Within the complex, the twelve farmsteads and the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena with its single-nave layout stand side by side as distinct components.

Il Fuaset and the Cireneo

Il Fuaset was created by the inhabitants of Sanfrè around the end of the 18th century. During Lent, the pastry is traditionally baked in a characteristic shape with five truncated points. Lent and the five truncated points together determine the pastry's traditional form.

Before Easter, Il Fuaset is traditionally distributed to participants in the Cireneo. The Cireneo is Sanfrè's civic Way of the Cross on Good Friday; its procession passes through fifteen stations. Il Fuaset is therefore directly linked to the Cireneo.

Rice Festival and Other Events

The Sagra del Riso di Sanfrè was established in 2015 to celebrate Sanfrè's local rice and takes place every year at the beginning of October. The local rice gives the festival a specific culinary connection, while the beginning of October determines its place in the annual calendar.

The Lunatika Festival includes gatherings, talent events and a Color Run.

Roero Bike Tour

The Roero Bike Tour is a 140-kilometre route for mountain bikes or e-bikes. The total distance provides a clear framework for planning your own tour. The ride is organised around the 140 kilometres and the type of bicycle selected. Mountain bikes and e-bikes are the two options provided. The specific distance remains the fixed length of the route.

Other Places for Regional Orientation

Prazzo Superiore, Neviglie, Villar San Costanzo, Treiso, Cavaliggi, Sommariva Del Bosco, Mombarcaro and Borgo San Dalmazzo

For the overarching travel overview: Cuneo.