Garessio revives Borgo Maggiore: new café at Palazzo Odda

Garessio revitalises Borgo Maggiore with a new community café

The Municipality of Garessio has taken a step to enhance Borgo Maggiore by assigning the ground-floor commercial space at Palazzo Odda in Piazza Carrara to a private operator. The move is aimed at restoring activity to the historic centre.

The concession was granted under a contract lasting six years, renewable for a further six. Local authorities say the measure is part of a broader plan to attract quality tourism, support the local economy and create meeting places for residents and visitors.

What this will bring to the village

The new café is intended to be more than a business: it will serve as a community hub and a welcoming point for tourists, set within a culturally and historically significant environment.

• Centre revitalisation: reactivating a key public space in the main square.
• Social cohesion: offering a gathering place for locals, hikers and guests.
• Sustainable tourism: providing services that enrich the visitor experience.
• Regulated management: the contract outlines responsibilities to ensure compliance and protection of public assets.

Why this matters

Many small historic centres have faced population decline and loss of services. Targeted initiatives like this aim to reverse that trend by creating economic opportunities and improving local life. A strategically located café can increase visitors’ time spent in the village and help host cultural and recreational activities.

Practical tips for visitors

• Stop by Piazza Carrara to see how the new venue fits into Garessio’s historic fabric.
• Check the village’s event listings: a central café often becomes a venue for cultural gatherings.
• Support local businesses by choosing regional products and services.

The project forms part of a larger effort to strengthen Borgo Maggiore’s role as a living historic centre, combining tourism development, local economy and community life.