Don’t know what to visit in the Langhe? Read the article and discover this enchanting territory, located between the provinces of Asti and Cuneo, on the border with Roero and Monferrato.
If you are looking for picturesque destinations in autumn, the Langhe—which in Piedmontese means “hills”—are perfect for you. With their priceless heritage, these lands have been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering you charming villages, historic wineries, and centuries-old castles to explore!
The Langhe: a land of villages, wineries and centuries-old castles!
The Langhe—so called because there is more than one, the Bassa and Alta Langa—are an area of lower Piedmont, lying between the Ligurian Apennines, the Maritime Alps and Monferrato.
The charming hills—whose profile varies depending on whether one is on the right or left bank of the Tanaro River—are gentle and soft to the eye, almost like waves covered with vegetation.
The hills of the Langhe are a succession of gently undulating contours, bewitching vineyards, architectural curiosities, and traditionally colored villages nestled among hillsides filled with red vineyards. They are populated by numerous traditional villages, enriched by medieval towers and manors, historic palaces and noble fortresses.
This land is famous for tasty food and traditional red wines: a nice pranzo in a Langhe winery with a great Barolo in hand is a must-try. The wineries are very cozy!
The Langhe are a favorite tourist destination for truffle enthusiasts, especially in autumn. Lovers of the delicious mushroom can engage in real explorations with experts and truffle dogs along the Langhe and Roero in search of the prized fruits of the earth. As well as places to enjoy sips of velvety nectar, wineries are also tourist attractions, and can also be used as wedding venues.
Alba is a city that dates back to 6,000 BC, the relics of which are attractions of the “Eusebio” Civic Museum in Alba.
Alba is famous for its characteristic towers and for the treasures of sacred art that will not disappoint enthusiasts. The church of San Domenico is a building of fine Romanesque-Gothic workmanship. The church of La Maddalena is another fulfilling sight, thanks to its marbles and its fine Baroque forms.
Alba also hosts the Truffle Fair, a must for fans of the local tasty product. The Truffle Fair lasts from October to the end of November and includes many irresistible events.
The Grinzane Cavour castle at the top of the hill: various paths branch out from it, leading through the surrounding rows of vines. Inside we find the Museum of the Langhe, full of artifacts and evidence of the presence of Count Cavour, as well as a fine wine shop and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Barolo and its castle, with the WiMu Wine Museum inside, are another must-visit stop.
The Barolo wine museum is somewhat the symbol of the area’s wine cultivation: from its privileged position among the hills combed with vineyards, it represents the sum of these traditional cultivations. It is a real journey to discover the traditions of the Piedmont territory. Visits to the structure reach the castle’s basements, where the aging cellars were once located, immersing us in the tradition of local wine production.
The castle has five floors covering a total of 2,700 square meters. On the main floor, the creation of Barolo wine is recalled. On the third floor, there are elements aimed at amazing the peculiarities of Barolo wine. On the second and first floors, the importance that wine has played in the arts is explored: music, theater, cinema and, of course, cooking!
In the cellars of the Falletti Castle in Barolo, the final destination of the journey, Marchioness Julia Colbert “invented” Barolo wine, which later became the official wine of the Savoy Court.
The displays by François Confino are evocative and will convey the sensations of a real cinematic experience!
The Barolo Chapel in La Morra is a work of contemporary art created by Sol LeWitt and David Tremlett from the restoration of a ruined building.
La Morra is a small village in an elevated position known for the production of Barolo and Nebbiolo, as demonstrated by the many rows of vines and wineries in the surroundings. From the town’s wide terrace, it is possible to admire the graceful panorama.
Between La Morra and Grinzane Cavour, we find a real giant bench, a fun artistic installation that brings wonder to those who decide to stop on it.
If you happen to be in Monforte D’Alba, do not miss a visit to the natural amphitheater, the Horszowski Auditorium, an ideal place for holding outdoor concerts and civil rites thanks to its perfect acoustics. At the top is the bell tower, the only remains of the ancient medieval church that was destroyed. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, characterized by steep narrow streets leading to the square, and for the satisfying panorama of the surrounding vineyards.
The 19th-century neo-Gothic church of Monforte is definitely interesting, with its beautiful bell tower and wide staircase.
Also to be admired are the Oratory of St. Elizabeth and the Church of the Disciplinati.
In the Langhe Monferrato and Roero, beautiful giant benches (Big Benches) are distributed, created by American designer Chris Bangle together with some friends. The idea was to allow tourists to admire the landscape through the eyes of children, to fully immerse themselves in that dreamlike atmosphere. The benches are located in some suggestive positions, generally in less busy spots, so that tourists can engage in the search for these unusual attractions. Visitors to the Langhe can therefore engage in these fun treasure hunts to track down the picturesque installations.
The Langhe benches are scattered across various territories: Cigliè (one), Alba (one), Canale (one), Neive (one), Coazzolo (one), Slavesana (three), Monforte d’Alba (two), Carrù (more than one).
In Piedmont, there are about 67 giant benches and the idea has also conquered other regions such as Tuscany, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, and Lombardy.
If you decide to visit La Morra you will not miss this beautiful opportunity. A beautiful red bench overlooking traditional vineyards awaits you right in the Langhe.
One more reason to come and visit us, don’t you think?
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