Pianfei: Churches, Trails and Lago di Pianfei

Getting to Pianfei

From Cuneo, you can reach Pianfei via Strada Provinciale 564 along a 13-kilometre route. Pianfei can be reached via the Cuneo–Mondovì railway line.

Churches, Buildings and Local Testimonies

Just a few steps from the parish church in Pianfei stands the Church of the Confraternita di San Michele. Beneath the small bell tower of the Church of the Confraternita di San Michele, a sundial bears the year 1688.

The parish church of San Giovanni Battista in Pianfei was completed in 1791 in the Piedmontese Baroque style. The parish church of San Giovanni Battista contains significant frescoes that adorn its three naves. The parish church of San Giovanni Battista also houses an organ with more than 1,000 pipes. The organ was originally made for the Chiesa di San Francesco Saverio “della Missione” in Mondovì and was created according to a design by Andrea Pozzo.

Numerous significant buildings stand along the central streets of Pianfei; some buildings date back to the 17th century. The municipality of Pianfei is home to numerous old chapels that bear witness to and express the local religious faith. Pianfei has many votive pillars. The votive pillars date back as far as the 20th century.

During the Christmas season, the Church of San Michele houses the mechanical nativity scene “della Crusà”. The mechanical nativity scene della Crusà is the result of the work of a group of young people, as well as the creativity and dedication of retired helpers.

Lago di Pianfei and Marked Trails

The route to Lago di Pianfei leads to the wooded hills surrounding the lake. There are hiking and cycling tourism trails in the Lago di Pianfei area. A walking trail in Pianfei leads to the Panchina Gigante.

Route 5, Pianfei–Lago di Pianfei, is signposted with square white and green trail markers. Along the way, the route number and colour markings each provide specific guidance for this connection to the lake. MTB route 5.1 Pianfei–Margarita begins at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. The abbreviation MTB stands for mountain bike.

Events in Pianfei

The Palio dei Rioni competitions take place in Pianfei in June. Many athletes come to Pianfei during the Outdoor Free Festival. The 17th edition of Mangiandando was an enogastronomic walking event on the trails around Lago di Pianfei. The term “enogastronomic” refers here to the combination of culinary and wine-related aspects.

The Sagra del Grano will be held in Pianfei on 21 June 2026. In June 2026, the traditional transhumance will accompany the Sagra del Grano in Pianfei. Transhumance refers to the seasonal movement of livestock between pastures.

Further destinations: San Damiano Macra, Villanova Mondovì, Barge, Stroppo, Roccaforte Mondovì, Roe, Beinette, Canosio

To the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.