Piedmont’s Borghi: Cella Monte assembly outlines projects, new

Piedmont’s Borghi: Cella Monte assembly outlines projects, new admissions and territorial collaboration

The 3rd Regional Assembly of the association "I Borghi più Belli d’Italia in Piemonte" took place in Cella Monte at the Ecomuseum of Pietra da Cantoni. Local officials and institutional representatives met to set operational priorities, strengthen regional networks and promote protection of the cultural, landscape and gastronomic heritage of historic villages.

Key outcomes from the assembly and practical implications for the territory are listed below.

• Venue and context: the meeting was hosted at the Ecomuseum and included visits to the Museum of Pietra da Cantoni and the remarkable Infernot, a UNESCO-recognized heritage feature.
• Institutional participation: regional and provincial representatives highlighted the strategic role of the network for local development, linking village enhancement to public health and the One Health approach.
• New members: the admission of the Borgo del Piazzo (Biella) into the association was formalized, confirming interest in safeguarding historic centers. Rosazza and Candelo were also present.
• Internal organisation: under President Paolo Gaudissard, thematic working groups were established to improve the association’s operational efficiency and coordinate joint projects.
• Finance and governance: the 2025 financial statement and the 2026 budget forecast were approved; membership fees were confirmed and amendments to the regional statute were adopted to align governance with evolving needs.
• Projects and funding: feasibility studies were presented to access public and private funding aimed at heritage conservation, promotion and quality tourism infrastructure.
• Upcoming events: the National Assembly 2028 will be held in Castagnole delle Lanze; the 2027 ordinary assembly is scheduled in Pontechianale.
• Promotion and digital strategy: initial social media metrics from February were shared, along with internal methods for managing digital channels to increase visibility and attract visitors.
• Convivial closing: the day ended with a communal lunch at Agriturismo "La Fontanella", showcasing local food products and supporting territorial supply chains.

For Piedmont’s historic villages, the assembly sets concrete steps to combat depopulation, promote sustainable and quality tourism, and protect tangible and intangible heritage through institutional collaboration and joint projects. The approved measures (budgets, working groups and project proposals) provide practical tools to plan territorial interventions in the coming years.

Practical tips for visitors: check opening times of local museums, look for guided tours to the Infernot when available, and choose accommodations and restaurants that use local, short-supply-chain products to support the community.