| Langhe | |
 | |
Location  | |
| State | Italy |
|---|---|
| Region | Piedmont |
| Capital | Sunrise |
| Tourism site | |
Langhe are a territory of Piedmont hills.
To know
The Langhe are a territory of Piedmont between the provinces of Asti is Wedge. Since 2014, together with the neighboring territories of Monferrato he was born in Roero is part of the protected assets ofUNESCO.
The territory of the Lakes is divided into Alta Langa (an area known above all for the cultivation of IGP hazelnuts), Bassa Langa (an area renowned for its wines and white truffles Sunrise) and Langhe Astigiane which occupy the southern part of the province of Asti.
Territories and tourist destinations
Langhe: full screen map.
The Langhe region can be divided into three territories:
- Lower Langa
- Alta Langa
- Asti Langa
Urban centers
Lower Langa
- 1 Sunrise - Considered the capital of the Langhe, it is famous for the white truffle, collected on the hills above it and for the international fair dedicated to them, which annually attracts hundreds of enthusiasts and experts in the gastronomic industry. In addition to the culinary specialties, walking through Alba we can admire splendid artistic treasures, such as the Duomo, the town hall and the towers.
- 2 Barbaresco - The small town is characterized by the sandstone tower that rises above the houses, overlooking the Tanaro river. The homonymous DOCG wine is produced.
- 3 Barolo - The village from which one of the finest wines of the Langhe takes its name, to see the Falletti castle of the sixteenth century and the Wi-Mu, the wine museum.
- 4 Dogliani - It is made up of two different parts, the village, of modern origin, and the Castle, of medieval origin; the latter preserves interesting architectural works inside, such as the parish church of Saints Quirco and Paolo. Also worth visiting is the Bottega del vino, a winery in which many local producers operate.
- 5 Grinzane Cavour - There is the majestic castle of Grinzane, residence of Camillo Benso, count of Cavour. Inside it houses a wine museum.
- 6 La Morra - One of the most characteristic villages of the Langhe, a few kilometers from Alba, in an excellent panoramic position.
- 7 Monforte d'Alba - In the list of Most beautiful villages in Italy is a lively center of the Langhe, with an enviable historic center and a particular amphitheater square, at the highest point of the town, where concerts are held all year round.
- 8 Neive - One of the Most beautiful villages in Italy, its center has maintained the medieval layout of the past, perched around the castle of the Cotti di Ceres counts. The village is located on a hillock from which you can enjoy the view over all the Langhe.
- 9 Serralunga d'Alba - Concentric village that culminates in the center with the homonymous castle. Its surprising upward momentum creates more than a few spectacular views.
Alta Langa
- 10 Bergolo - With only 70 inhabitants it is the smallest village in the Langhe, but this is not to be considered any less. It is rich in cultural activities, such as "The flavors of the stone", which take place in the perfectly preserved characteristic historic center. Not far from the town is the Romanesque chapel of San Sebastiano, completely made of stone.
- 11 Bossolasco - One of the most panoramic villages of the Langhe, it preserves the Balestrino palace dating back to the seventeenth century. In the 1960s, a group of artists decided to paint a personalized sign for each shop and each public building to give an artistic touch to the town.
- 12 Ceva - A medieval town on the banks of the Tanaro river with numerous arcaded streets. The city is dominated by the sixteenth-century fortress, positioned on a splendid panoramic point.
- 13 Cortemilia - It consists of two distinct nuclei, San Michele and San Pantaleo, both characterized by an enviable historic center with the remains of the medieval castle, coffered arcades and precious churches, in particular that of the Madonna della Pieve in Gothic style.
- 14 Murazzano - It is the homeland of Murazzano Dop, a sheep's cheese. Of interest is the sanctuary of the Beata Vergine di Hall, frescoed with interesting perspective effects. Outside the town there is a lookout tower, converted into a characteristic windmill.
- 15 Willow - Of interest is the parish church of San Lorenzo, with its elegant façade, built in stone between the end of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Another important religious building is the Romanesque church of San Martino located in the characteristic village of Lignera, with very rich Gothic frescoes on the life of San Martino.
- 16 Serravalle Langhe - Small well-preserved rural center with excellent panoramic views and interesting historical buildings such as the Town Hall or the oratory of San Michele.
Asti Langa
- 17 Mombaldone - One of the Most beautiful villages in Italy, is still surrounded by the original walls. In addition to the splendid historic center, the hexagonal church of San Nicolao is worth a visit,
- 18 Roccaverano - Main town of the Asti Langa, it is immersed in the woods and is surrounded by the defensive towers that have protected it for centuries. Interesting are the church of the Assumption and the remains of the castle.
How to get
By plane
The nearest airports are those of:
- Turin — Sandro Pertini international airport of Caselle Torinese.
- Genoa - Sestri
- Wedge - Levaldigi
By car
- From Turin or fromEmilia Romagna: A21 motorway up to Asti.
- From Milan or from Genoa: A7 motorway up to Tortona and then A21 up to Asti.
Asti is connected to Sunrise and to the Langhe thanks to the A33 motorway.
On the train
The main railway station of the Langhe is that of Asti where trains arrive from every day Turin.
How to get around
By car
The best way to cross the Langhe is by car through the hills and vineyards, farms and beautiful villages.
By bike
Another very pleasant way to visit the Langhe is undoubtedly by bicycle. There are several places where you can rent them and many will be able to show you scenic routes that wind through the hills and countryside among the vineyards and small villages that characterize the area. Cycling tourism in recent years has seen a significant increase, the harvest period and autumn are certainly good times to take a tour of the territory.
What see
Sunrise is Barolo they are the largest cities and those that boast the greatest artistic heritage of the Langhe. They are ancient cities, existing already in pre-Roman times. They have a cultural and artistic heritage of great importance with castles and museums that tell centuries of history. Despite this, the beauty of the Langhe is found especially in the small uncontaminated villages, rich in history and rural traditions, and in the landscapes that can be admired while wandering through the country roads. Other places of interest can be:
- Birthplace of Cesare Pavese.
- Novello Castle.
What to do
Food and wine tourism is one of the engines of the local economy, and the events associated with it are different. Above all, of course, the International Truffle Fair must be remembered.
- International Alba White Truffle Fair.
From October to November. Exhibition and sale and tasting of Piedmontese products and flavors, first of all the truffles sold on the streets of the historic center. There is also an auction in the Castle of Grinzane di Cavour where connoisseurs from all over the world buy precious specimens of truffles.
From October to November. Exhibition and sale and tasting of Piedmontese products and flavors, first of all the truffles sold on the streets of the historic center. There is also an auction in the Castle of Grinzane di Cavour where connoisseurs from all over the world buy precious specimens of truffles.There are numerous farms that you can visit, but remember to contact them in advance and ask for their availability.
- Pio Cesare Farm, Via Cesare Balbo 6 (Sunrise), ☎ 39 0173 440386, fax: 39 0173 363680. Visits and tastings by appointment.
- Vigna Rionda Farm (Massolino), Piazza Cappellano 8 (Serralunga d'Alba), ☎ 39 0173 613138, fax: 39 0173 613949. Visits and tastings by appointment.
- La Spinetta, Via Carzello 1 (Grinzane Cavour), ☎ 39 0173 262291.
the price varies according to how many wines are tasted. - Cavallotto Fratelli, Via Alba-Monforte, Bricco Boschis (Castiglione Falletto), ☎ 39 017362814.
- Giribaldi, Via della Fontana. Rodello (5 minutes from Alba), ☎ 39 0173 617000. 10:00-18:00. One of the most beautiful, with a splendid view of the mountains. Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo d'Alba, Barbera d'Alba, Dolcetto d'Alba, Alta Langa, Langhe Favorita, Langhe Arneis, Langhe Chardonnay are some of the wines produced here.
the price varies according to how many wines are tasted.At the table
The Langhe are not only synonymous with great and fine wines white truffles. Another important voice of the local economy is the IGP hazelnut, a particularly delicious and appreciated variety. It is used in various recipes and obviously to produce spreadable creams: in fact, the city of Alba is also the birthplace of the Ferrero confectionery industry, the creators of Nutella. However, there are many other smaller producers who devote their energies to creating high quality products. Take advantage of the visit to this area to discover the typical dishes of the Piedmontese tradition such as bagna cauda; raw meat from Alba; there Cognà (a kind of cross between a sauce and a jam) used to accompany boiled meats, cheeses and polenta; risotto and brasato al barolo and many other dishes.
Drinks
Wine, of course. The main wines are Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Moscato d'Asti, Roero Arneis and many others. You will be spoiled for choice. Many of the wine shops located in the main towns will also be able to advise you on the best dishes to match the wines. Take advantage of these exercises to shop too.
In the Langhe, various grappas derived from local vineyards are also produced.
The Langhe are a land rich in fine wines (DOC and DOCG) such as:
- Arneis
- Barbera d'Alba
- Barolo
- Barbaresco
- Dolcetto d'Alba
- Dolcetto di Dogliani
- Dolcetto of the Langhe Monregalesi
- Dolcetto of the upper Langhe Monregalesi
- Langhe Arneis
- Langhe Chardonnay
- Langhe Chardonnay Vineyard
- Langhe Dolcetto
- Langhe Favorita
- Langhe Favorita Vineyard
- Langhe Freisa
- Langhe Freisa Vineyard
- Langhe Nebbiolo
- White Langhe
- Langhe red
Tourist infrastructure
The accommodation offer covers all needs and budgets. It is possible to find splendid farmhouses immersed in the hills where you can taste the Piedmontese specialties produced on site. Remember that if you want to visit Alba during the Truffle Fair it is good to book well in advance or look for accommodation outside the city.
