Castelmagno, Italian comune
Castelmagno is a small mountain commune in the Province of Cuneo at about 1,800 meters elevation, surrounded by open meadows and flowering grasslands. Houses cluster tightly around the main square with narrow streets, while the Sanctuary of San Magno sits at the summit overlooking the settlement.
The area is shaped by medieval history, particularly religious sites like the Sanctuary of San Magno from the 14th century and the nearby Pieve San Giovanni Battista, possibly built before 1000. Several fortresses in the region such as Fort Neghino built in the 18th century reflect the area's former strategic importance.
The name Castelmagno comes from Saint Magno, the patron saint whose sanctuary has served as the spiritual heart of the community for centuries. The traditional cheese-making craft, passed down through generations, remains central to local identity and can be observed in the daily work of the artisans who produce it.
The village is best explored on foot using hiking trails, including Il Cammino di San Magno which leads to the sanctuary and follows an old mule path. The high elevation requires sturdy footwear and caution on mountain paths, especially when weather becomes challenging.
Professional cyclist Marco Pantani is honored by a monument at Colle Fauniera, a challenging mountain pass where racing cyclists test their limits. An annual festival in August celebrates San Magno with traditional dances and regional music performances that draw visitors from surrounding areas.
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