World Air Games Turin 2009: Mondovì

Mondovi will be the theatre for the trials for gas and hot air balloons. In this sector, this city in the Cuneo province (pop. circa 23.000) represents a “must”, a status acquired through numerous past events (in 2009, the international Epiphany rally will celebrate its 22nd year) and the geographical conditions that favour the practice of this fascinating discipline.

The name Mondovì derives from “El Mont ed Vi”, or the Mount of Vicoforte. Founded in 1198, Mondovì grew into the most populous city in Piedmont in the XVI century; here, the first book ever printed in Piedmont was published in 1472 and the region’s first University took shape, from 1560 to 1566. It saw the birth of Giovanni Giolitti and was among the cities most honoured with the medal for Military Valour in the War of Liberation. It is known for its rich gastronomic tradition, not to mention its ceramics and the Carnival. A fun-filled period that lasts 10 days and in the course of which the invasion of the Mori is reenacted. The “beila” is also elected. On 8th September, still respecting long tradition, the Sanctuary of Vicoforte Fair is held.

Situated between mountains, hills and plain, Mondovì looks down on one side on the valley bottom marked by the Po and which leads to Turin (70 km away); on the other, it sits on a hillside which marks the the limit of the Langhe, land of wine and truffles; from yet another, it is only 63 km to Savona and the Italian (Ligurian) Riviera, with the natural obstacle of the Maritime Alps rich in large winter sports stations, such as Lurisia, Frabosa, Artesina, Prato Nevoso). Easily reached from the A6 motorway, the Torino – Savona railway and the Cuneo Levadigi airoport.