Biking through castles between Castiglione and Serralunga

One of the reasons why cyclists love cycling in the Langhe is the multiplicity of experiences that they offer: they are more or less long routes that can offer varied experiences: vineyards, forests, small villages with shops, cellars and castles that prop up the tops of the hills.

The uniqueness of the Langhe is one of the reasons that led me to love cycling and in particular this ring route: an itinerary that allows you to warm up your legs with a start on the plain from Alba to Gallo Grinzane, and then skirt the inhabited area of Castiglione Falletto and proceed towards Monforte d’Alba with a lighter ascent and conclude with a long descent from Roddino, passing through Serralunga d’Alba, until you reach Alba again.

Castiglione Falletto

Departure: Alba-Castiglione Falletto

Starting from Alba, the ride starts in the direction of Gallo di Grinzane Cavour.

After crossing the village of Gallo and the village of Uccellaccio, turn left at the Cantine Terre del Barolo. From here the road begins to climb gently at first and then face a couple of tight bends, but in the shade thanks to the shelter offered by the plants at the roadside.

The first real view of the Langhe opens up before the eyes and a little surprisingly: vineyards as far as the eye can see and in the distance the inhabited areas of Diano d’Alba, Montelupo Albese and Rodello.

Continuing, the perched castle tower of Castiglione Falletto appears.

Da Roddino a Monforte d’Alba

Arrival at Monforte d’Alba

The next stop is Monforte d’Alba. The climb proceeds smoothly and the legs turn easily. It is not necessary in fact a specific training to deal with these traits.

The panorama that can be enjoyed reaching the town is suggestive in every season, reaching its peak in spring and autumn.

Monforte, closely linked to the tradition of Barolo producers and ideal destination for wine tourists, has a history linked to the heresy of the Càtari.

Visiting the country today means walking through the streets in search of restaurants, inns and charming houses: the tastes that you meet here are able to satisfy the most demanding palates.

Vista di Serralunga d’Alba

Serralunga: castle and tastings

The ride continues in the direction of Roddino. The road descends towards San Giuseppe and then goes up again. On your left the view stretches till the Alpine chain. The Serralunga Castle is very close.

I advise you to take your camera with you, or anyway a phone that can take pictures: if you cross these places at the right time and with the clear sky, your shots may be unexpected.

From here we will not turn right along the road that leads us to the town of Roddino, but at the last junction that leads to the village, we will keep the left and notice that the road goes down until you reach Gallo Grinzane.

This is one of the parts of the path I prefer: descent and priceless view. You will immediately notice on the right a wooden fence and a small church with a fountain: final refreshment before the long and enjoyable descent of about 6 km to the village of Serralunga.

We cross some hamlets and enter the town where the castle can be visited. With a deviation of a few hundred meters you reach the square where the manor stands.

This fortification is one of my favorites.

La tenuta di Fontanafredda

Along the road of the “Bela Rusin” and back

Continue through the hamlet of Baudana and shortly after the road returns flat. Here the Fontanafredda estate is located, which was in the past the heritage of Vittorio Emanuele II, first king of Italy.

In addition to the estate, the Bela Rosin hunting house is worth a visit. Among these walls is where took place the love story between the king and the beautiful populace Rosa Vercellana, who later became Countess of Mirafiore and Fontanafredda.

We then return to the road initially traveled to return to Alba.