The mountain belongs to the Ligurian Alps and is located in the province of Cuneo (Piedmont), close to the border with Liguria.

It's located on the main chain of the Alps and is the tripoint where the drainage divides between Tanaro, Bormida and Neva valleys meet.

[3] The mountain is mainly made of granite rocks, which are crossed by a gneiss belt rich in minerals of the feldspar group.

[4] The area around Monte Cianea was involved in Napoleon's Italian campaign; in 1795 the Piedmontese army built there a stronghold.

[5] The area saw then violent fights because of its strategic relevance, given access to Tanaro valley and thus to the Po plain.