The 10 most beautiful things to see in the Langhe

Okay fine, it is impossible to say what are the 10 most beautiful things to see in a given place. It depends on who you are, what you like, etc. It is also impossible to distill an area rich in history, culture and tradition into 10 skimpy points.

At the editorial level, however, we decided to give you some pointers on the things that WE like best. A mix of culture, food and wine, and open air that (hopefully) best represents what our area has to offer.

#1 – Moscato Chapel

The Moscato Chapel: the little church of Santa Maria Vergine del Carmine is located in the small town of Coazzolo, of pre-Roman origins in the province of Asti, nestled between the towns of Neive and Castagnole delle Lanze.

The chapel, originally dating back to the late 18th century, underwent a thorough restoration in 2017 and was the inspiration for artist David Tremlett, who, using the technique of Wall Drawing, breathed new life into the beautiful location.

#2 – The Way of the Chapels

If you want to take a short, undemanding hike and are in the vicinity of Mondovi, this walk is for you!

It is a very easy route, winding between the upper part of Mondovi and Vicoforte, all on asphalt and about 4 km long and walkable in about an hour, and is suitable at any time of year.

You will have a chance to admire the striking landscape of the Monregalese Langhe, encountering 5 chapels that will take you all the way to Vicoforte.

#3 – A tour of the forests of Alta Langa

If you like walking, Alta Langa, the area of the Langhe with the highest hills, where stone is used as building material, offers breathtaking scenery, without the “wine monotony” that characterizes Bassa Langa.

Here, in fact, the land is still varied: fields in the lower valleys, dense forests , hazelnut groves, deep gorges at the bottom of which winding streams flow (spectacular in this sense the upper Belbo Valley) and a few vineyards, perhaps terraced, but without exaggeration.

Some recommendations: the Pavesian Trail in Santo Stefano Belbo, the trail between Torresina and Igliano, and the trail between Bossolasco and Somano.

#4 – The Wine Museum

he Wimu, Museum of Wine in Barolo, is a multimedia journey to discover the traditions, history and personalities who made the history of Piedmont and Italy, helping in the 1800s to bring Barolo wine to the tables of the rulers of Europe.

The tour winds through four floors and 25 rooms, in an evocative atmosphere balanced between light and dark. The installation conceived by François Confino of Switzerland, one of the world’s most highly regarded museum exhibit designers, is designed to be a “descent into the depths of wine culture.”

#5 – The Cedar of Lebanon

Cedar of Lebanon: towering majestically over Monfalletto hill in the Annunziata hamlet of La Morra, it is one of the unexpected vantage points of the Langa del Barolo.

Planted in 1856 by Costanzo Falletti of Rodello and Eulalia Della Chiesa of Cervignasco, it is still, after 160, a symbol of the bond with the homeland and the seal of love between the young couple.

#6 – The Chapel of San Fiorenzo

A more unique than rare example of Piedmontese Gothic, a style that has almost disappeared due to the “baroqueization” put in place by the Savoy dynasty, the chapel of San Fiorenzo stands in Bastia Mondovì, along the ancient Via del Sale and was a place of welcome and prayer for travelers of the time.

The structure was built from the 12th century and expanded in the 15th century and is perfectly preserved today. The walls and vault are covered with frescoed stories telling of Hell and Heaven. Particularly striking are the frescoes depicting the punishments inflicted on the damned.

#7 – The Terrace of the Castle of Serralunga

A charming panoramic location at the foot of the ancient Castle of Serralunga d’Alba overlooking the “valley of Barolo.”

From here you can admire the UNESCO wine landscapes, and let your gaze sweep as far as the mountains of Cuneo.

#8 – A Visit to the Winery

In the Langa you come to drink, and there is no better way than to taste a wine than in the company of the producer.

In fact, uncorking a bottle with has produced it is a magical moment: the story, the passion, the labors and tribulations condensed in the goblet under your nose and told by those who have experienced this story firsthand.

Whether you are a novice who needs to learn everything or a connoisseur in search of the subtlest nuances, a visit to the winery is an unparalleled experience, allowing you to enter the world of wine head-on and discover it together with its protagonists.

#9 – A visit to the Cascina

If you love the outdoors and animals, you can visit some educational farms and farmsteads in the Langhe. Some offer sensory trails related to the world of hazelnuts, some offer activities with animals and workshops.

There really is something for everyone: groups, couples and families!

#10 – The Castle of Monticello

Monticello Castle, first restored in 1348, is an emblematic example of 14th-century fortified architecture in the Roero. This century, characterized by the Gothic style, saw structural enrichment in the region’s lordly estates, despite territorial fragmentation.

The castle, strategically located to control the Tanaro valley, initially belonged to the bishops of Asti, but underwent several changes of ownership: in 1237 to the Gorzano d’Asti, in 1341 to the Malabaila, and finally in 1376 to the Roero, who began its expansion, giving it its current configuration.

A stop definitely worth visiting.