Saluzzo

The territory of Saluzzo includes the flatlands that surround it and the first mountain slopes of the Po and Varaita Valleys, even up to relatively high altitudes (1,430 m) and reaches further into the Cuneo plains with the backdrop dominated by the pre-eminence of the Monviso Massif.

The area is characterized by decidedly contrasting morphological environments in origin and physiography. The Saluzzo terrace, high and medium plains of Cuneo and floodplains of the Po and Varaita Rivers form the flatlands.
In ecological terms, the area is determined by the presence of the Po River as it reaches the plains, and forms the first true stepping stone of the network of tributaries that digress from it; the wooded areas of Staffarda are of high ecological importance both as a wildlife refuge as well as home for the large oak-hornbeam trees.

The high plains of Saluzzo form one of the main sources of fruits of the entire region, in particular, the cultivation of the kiwi, which has replaced the more traditional crops such as apples, peaches, apricots and grapes, and defines a wide area of the landscape.

Aside from the mountainous background, castles perched on the mountain slopes and the historic centre of Saluzzo make up the landscape. This role as a geographical and landscape focal point coincides with a historical truth: Saluzzo was the capital of an autonomous territorial system until the annexation of Savoy in the 17th century and still retains its centrality and historical and cultural relevance.
The fertile flatlands are occupied by rich farms while the Staffarda Abbey in the north of Revello was founded in 1127 by the Marquis of Saluzzo and entrusted to the Cistercian monks who played an important role in the reclamation of the surrounding areas which were once swamps and uncultivated.
The foothills that go from Saluzzo to Costigliole are historically and architecturally important areas, with its villas of the late modern age.

Privileged points of observation identified in the PAYS.DOC “ Good practices for the landscape” created by a virtual observatory of the Mediterranean landscape.