Excursions in Piemonte
Cities, hamlets, vineyards, and romantic lakes
NOT ONLY BAROLO – ASTI AND THE WINE DISTRICT
Great merchants and intelligent medieval bankers made the city of Asti rich and powerful, placing it among the European superpowers, leaving their mark on a number of truly unique Romanesque and Gothic fortified houses, mighty churches, and skyrocketing towers.
Asti homes the most imposing cathedral in Piedmont, the birthplace of Vittorio Alfieri, as well as the Romanesque complex of San Pietro in Consavia, a replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, built by the Knights of St. John, along with the Holy Infirmary, conceived as a modern hospital. Around Asti, wine is the main protagonist, and there are numerous wineries. Well known is Canelli, the capital of sparkling wines with its Underground Cathedrals, as well as Nizza Monferrato, which has given its name to one of the region's greatest wines, Nizza DOCG, which rivals the more famous Barolo in every way.
LANGHE & MONFERRATO
A land of great winemakers, the Langhe offers breathtaking landscapes and rolling vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, which can be admired from numerous vantage points dotted with contemporary installations. The area's flagship wines are undoubtedly Barolo and Barbaresco, which can be tasted at one of the many local wineries, along with other local products such as white truffles and Piedmont hazelnuts.
However, it's not just food and wine. Hidden among the vineyards are medieval castles, baroque residences, modern buildings, and even numerous contemporary art installations that highlight the constant dynamism of this region.
THE LAKE DISTRICT
In northern Piedmont, about two hours from Turin, lie two lakes surrounded by the Alps, home to numerous natural and cultural attractions, including the romantic Borromean Islands. The most famous is undoubtedly Isola Bella, in the gulf of Lake Maggiore, home to the former Borromean Prince's Palace, boasting Italy's most stunning terraced garden.
Meanwhile, on the smaller Lake Orta, at the center of the island of San Giulio, stands the bell tower of the spectacular medieval Abbey. The Middle Ages are also on display in the small town of Orta, where numerous local artisan shops populate the main square in front of the ancient Broletto.