Limone Piemonte
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
Access to Limone Piemonte is mainly from Cuneo, via the state road Colle di Tenda road that connects Italy to France; the municipality is also served by the Turin-Cuneo-Ventimiglia international railway line, with the station located at the entrance to the town. Motorway connections and the local road network facilitate arrivals from both Turin and nearby Liguria, making it a reference point for those wishing to explore the Maritime Alps area. During peak tourist periods, it is advisable to enquire about road conditions and parking, also in view of the proximity to the Colle di Tenda tunnel and possible seasonal restrictions. The municipal website offers updates on webcams, events and local services.
Introduction
Limone Piemonte is located in the Vermenagna valley, at the junction of the Vermenagna and San Giovanni streams, in the Maritime Alps, in the province of Cuneo, a few kilometres from the French border. Its privileged position along one of the most important historical passes between Piedmont and the Côte d'Azur, the Colle di Tenda, has made this village a transit point and crossroads for trade, pilgrimages and exchanges since Roman times. Remains of the Roman road can be traced in the hamlet of Limonetto.
Limone Piemonte is located in the upper Vermenagna Valley, in the province of Cuneo, on the border with France and in the heart of the Maritime Alps, at an altitude of 1009 metres above sea level and with a land area of 71.23 km². This ancient alpine village, known in Occitan dialect as Limon, is one of the most important centres in the area due to its location, history and environmental peculiarities. Among the highest peaks that surround it is Monte Vecchio, which marks the mountain landscape and offers distinctive views of the surrounding valleys.
Description
The municipality has 1,513 inhabitants, known as Limonesi or Limonaschi, whose identity is expressed both in the local Occitan language and in its historical traditions, marked by transalpine influences and its long border history. Limone Piemonte is also distinguished by the variety of its villages and hamlets: Fantino, Limonetto, Panice Soprana, Panice Sottana, San Bernardo and Tetti Mecci. The area is enlivened by numerous alpine pastures that bear witness to a historical rural presence and a breeding culture typical of the Cuneo mountains.
The history of Limone Piemonte is deeply intertwined with that of cross-border traffic and the routes connecting Italy and France: its strategic position, between the Colle di Tenda and the main Alpine routes, has made it a transit, trade and meeting point over the centuries, as well as a prominent location in the military events that have marked the territory. The evidence of local architecture and traces of the various dominations tell of the variety of influences that contribute to the municipality's own character.
Today Limone Piemonte is known above all as an Alpine tourist destination, famous for the Riserva Bianca ski resort and for its hiking and outdoor sports opportunities. Paths, alpine refuges and panoramic routes wind their way through larch forests, high-altitude meadows and valleys, offering a privileged setting for discovering the biodiversity of the Maritime Alps. There are numerous places of natural and historical interest: ancient passes, centuries-old mule tracks, alpine chapels and viewpoints over the valley.
The traditions of Limone are manifested in the patron saint's festivals, in particular the one dedicated to San Pietro in Vincoli, and in the seasonal festivals that celebrate typical mountain products such as cheese, high-altitude honey and local dishes based on game and mushrooms. Cultural life keeps the memory of the community alive through museums, events and manifestations, with a strong focus on enhancing the Occitan and Alpine heritage.
Information
Area: 71.23 sq km
Altitude: 1009
Maximum elevation: 2.755m - Rocca dell'Abisso
Number of inhabitants: 1513
Name in dialect: Limon (Occitan)
Name of inhabitants: Limonesi or Limonaschi
Patron Saint: San Pietro in Vincoli
Neighbouring municipalities: Borgo San Dalmazzo, Briga, Briga Alta, Entracque, Roccavione, Robilante, Tenda, Vernante
Website: www.limonepiemonte.it