The town's name derives from the particular location of the main centre, on the top of a hill, from where it is possible to admire the Alps and surrounding valleys. It is a small town in the province of Cuneo, located in the upper valley of the river Tanaro, in between the Langhe, devoted to agriculture: such as the cultivation of hazelnut trees and vines, from which yields an excellent Dolcetto. The local goat farms are famous for the production of a special Robiola cheese of Murazzano. There are also several small industries, primarily dedicated to woodworking and crafts.
The town is mentioned in several historical documents dating from the second half of the XII century. Through the centuries it belonged to several noble families: fief of the Lords of Dogliani, of Saluzzo, the Demagistris, the Saraceno, until in the XVII century it was submitted to the domain of the Duchy of Savoy, and remained so for a long period, except for the period of the Napoleonic domination. During the War of succession of Monferrato the town was occupied by French troops, that destroyed the castle. After the Congress of Vienna it was included in the territories of the Kingdom of Italy. During the Second World War, the area of Belvedere was directly involved in clashes between Nazi-fascist troops and the partisans.
Not to miss:
- the Parish Church of St. Nicholas, built in 1579, was repeatedly subject to alterations. It presents an XVIII century façade, divided into two floors, of which the top one is decorated with niches and statues and dominated by a small gable;
- the Oratory of Saints Fabiano and Sebastiano. The second Sunday after Easter, the community celebrates the feast of Micun, with blessed bread, that traditionally is considered curative;
- the Chapel of the Assumption, preceded by a portico with five arches, of which the central one is larger than the side ones. The façade is divided into two floors, the upper one is narrower than the lower one, surmounted by a tympanum. Imposing is the central dome;
- the Chapel of San Rocco;
- the Chapel of Saint Ursula;
- the Chapel of Santa Margherita;
- the Chapel of Santa Maria degli Angeli;
- the Castle, of which remain only a few ruins, was built in the XIV century and destroyed by the French in the XVII century. It used to feature a solid wall with watch tower, built of brick and situated in a panoramic position. In certain days, particularly clear, from here it is possible to admire a wonderful view of the Alps and the entire surrounding area;
- the tomb of the Masca;
- the farm of the Merla;
- the Locatelli residence.