Rocca de' Baldi Castle: A Medieval Fortress with Ethnographic Treasures

Rocca de' Baldi Castle, a commanding presence in the Cuneo plain, began as a defensive structure in the late 12th century. Built to protect residents from raids, it faced numerous attacks until 1543 when Spanish troops burned and sacked it, sparing only the tower. In 1643, the Morozzo family inherited the castle and transformed it into a noble residence, adding a pink wing in 1710 designed by architect Francesco Gallo. Today, the castle belongs to the community and houses the 'Augusto Doro' Provincial Ethnographic Museum. This museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts and multimedia exhibits that illustrate the history of agriculture, environmental changes, and peasant culture in the Cuneo region from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Visitors can explore antique maps, tools, photographs, and visual media that depict rural life and the evolution of the agricultural landscape. The castle park features a garden with a Cedar of Lebanon and Sophora Japonica trees. The Municipality of Rocca de' Baldi was established on March 18, 1448.