This time we’d like to offer some suggestions for a vacation and things to do in Langhe, Italy. The area is situated in Piedmont, which is not too far from the town of Turin but quite different from the environmental conditions of Turin. In Turin, you can feel the vibrancy & spirit of a European town; in this area of agriculture and rural life, the rhythm of season controls the daily life of the individuals!
Piedmont is among the 20 Italian regions which have its capital in Turin. It is in the foothills and valleys of the Alps in the north of Italy and is most well-known for its exceptional wines. The most important wine-growing region is known as the Langhe region, which is famous for its premium wines, such as Barolo or Barbaresco. Discover the three things you should enjoy in Piedmont’s Langhe region. The majority of which involve walking.
Before we get into what you can do in this area as a traveler, some thoughts concerning Piedmont and its biggest wine-producing region, The Langhe.
What are the Facts about the Piedmont Region?
- It is the north-western region of Italy that borders Switzerland as well as France. The central part of Piedmont is the Po valley. It is a gorgeous city, but it doesn’t receive recognition.
- If you are wondering what to explore in this Piedmont city, here are my recommendations for a three-night stay and interesting things to do in Langhe. If you’re an expert in food, check out this blog is about the delights of Turin as well.
- In Piedmont’s northern region, you will have a number of stunning lakes. The most well-known lakes are Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Orta.
- The region is just as beautiful as the more well-known Tuscany & check out this post on interesting things to do in Langhe. There are even more hills in this region, and there are a lot of gorgeous villages.
- This region is many more than just world-renowned wines, in certain areas where the finest hazelnuts, those known as “Nocciola del Piemonte,” are produced.
- They also produce cheese in this region, and, obviously, there’s the legendary Alba white truffle.
History of the Langhe
- Langhe is a region with a long history that is believed to be among the most fascinating winemaking area in Italy.
- Alba is the city that has been declared the capital city of Langhe, which was established by the Ligurian.
- The history of winemaking in Lange is rooted in Roman times when they developed the town of Alba Pompeia. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city was attacked by Burgundians.
- During the Middle Ages, it was affected by war, and its residents constructed numerous castles. Later, it was dubbed “the city of 100 towers”.
What are the Famous Places to Visit & Things to do in Langhe?
The most significant wine region in Piedmont is called the Langhe. Below are some pieces of information about famous places at the Langhe, Italy which is a wine-growing region.
Our post contains list of top attractions that can give a premium experience & interesting things to do in Langhe.
However, before that: Do you know what the Langhe region has known for and why it’s worth a trip?
1. Langhe Wine Region, Italy
The Langhe is located in the south of the Tanaro river in Piedmont’s southeast. The term “Langhe” means long, low-lying hills. Langhe is producing perfect wines and grapevines.
The wines of Langhe have unique characteristics given by the particular environmental conditions that exist in this specific region. Alba the hills that give the area to implement the use of modern technology to replace the traditional farming practices to improve quality and quantity. In terms of the soil, this hill is made up of the composition of clay and limestone. However, some vineyards have the benefit of subsoils that are more complex, consisting of marl, sulfur sands, and chalk. All of these improve drainage and keep the flavor of the grapes perfectly concentrated.
In the end, the cold, foggy climate of the Langhe gives an added advantage to the wines that are acidic in structure. This is the thing that gives a wine of Langhe its distinct flavor.
Address :- Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 26/A, 12060 Castiglione Falletto CN, Italy.
2. Cappella Del Brunate
In the gorgeous Piedmontese countryside, there is an extraordinary little colored church that is unique in Italy. It is located in the La Morra city center. It was constructed in 1914 adjacent to an old church that was frescoed in a votive style by Giovanni Savio (1963-1950) from La Morra.
The Chapel has evolved into one of the most popular symbols; it’s now referred to as “Cappella del Brunate” (Brunate Chapel) or “Cappella del Barolo” (Barolo Chapel) to honor the famous wine that begins its journey in the famous vineyard.
The Chapel is a small gem that is tucked away into the Piedmontese countryside, with a lush landscape of vineyards and plants that must be explored. The Ceretto company also provides other activities related to culture and food: tours, tastings of guided tours, and more.
Address :- Strada Fontanazza, 12064 La Morra CN, Italy
3. Panorama
Panorama, La Morra is known for its beautiful views. The Langhe region offers stunning views from many areas in the vicinity. You can take stunning photos of the beautiful vineyards, rolling hills and churches in the valley on a clear day. The appearance of vineyards look like a patchwork of grapevines that extends to the beautiful horizon.
Address :- Via G. Marconi, 18, 12064 La Morra CN, Italy
4. Rocche dei Sette Fratelli
Rocche dii Sette Fratti also known as The famous seven brothers cliffs, 9 hectares wide . They are the result of thousands of years of water erosion that has eaten the marl soil of marine origin. Cliffs present themselves to the visitor as a surprising, gray-white amphitheater.
The soil’s minerals are too low to allow any plants to thrive, except pine bushes, juniper bushes, and broom.
The highest areas are covered in evergreens, oaks and elms. You will see wildlife in the quieter and more tranquil areas of the site. You may be able to see wild boars and foxes moving unaffected at the Rocks’ bottom.
Address :- SP138, 8, 12050 Treiso CN, Italy
5. Castle of Grinzane Cavour
The castle was first owned by Bonifacio di Vasto in the early XII century. It has been owned by many people, from the Marquis of Busca and Monferrato to the present day. Michele di Cavour, the father of Camillo, bought it at the beginning of the 19th century.
The Grinzane Cavour castle is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the Langhe. The central tower is the oldest part of the building. It was constructed in the XII century. At the same time, the main building was built in the V.
The 1961 restoration restored it to its original form after many modifications have led to its current shape. It was originally purchased by the Benso di Cavour family and then sold to Alfieri di Sostegno who donated it to Alba in 1932. It is now a Regional Cellar, Piedmontese Wine Shop after the 1961 restorations.
The Trattoria di Castello restaurant is located on the first floor. A museum can be found upstairs.
One part of the museum displays objects from the local rural culture. Other rooms are dedicated to the white truffle, relics of the Cavour period, and an exhibit about the Langhe wines during the Roman era.
Address :- Via Castello, 5, 12060 Grinzane Cavour CN, Italy
6. Castello di Prunetto
The Castello di Prunetto combine the “cultural” and the opportunity to taste local specialties. This castle, which is 700m high, is located at the summit of a hill. A beautiful church and lawn of English grass surround the castle. It looks like a Scottish castle. The tour guide is also free in here, with detailed explanations in the various frescoes and the history of the Sanctuary.
Address :- SP212, 14, 12077 Prunetto CN, Italy
7. Parco Safari delle Langhe
The Parco Safari delle Langhe was founded in 1976. It is a stunning area and best things to do in Langhe with spectacular views of rolling green hills. The beautiful mountains rise almost to the ocean, offering a breathtaking view and unrivaled scenery.
- It covers more than 70 hectares and is home to many animals, including brown bears, cougars, jaguars, tigers, lions, Kangaroos, emu, donkeys, pony, American bison, etc. You can observe the animals in a natural setting.
- It also includes a 5km zoo safari road that can be covered with your car. This route allows you to observe and interact with animals at the safest distance.
- The zoo’s modern design guidelines have been applied to each inhabited area. However, the style is natural and harmonious with the surrounding landscape.
- Like any modern zoological park, it has an educational function, and it also protects and conserves biodiversity and scientific research.
- Guided tours are available for school groups and families to increase awareness and interest in nature and animals.
- You can also find refreshment points, picnic areas, and areas with games for kids.
Address :- Via Rea Sottana, 12060 Murazzano CN, Italy
8. Castle of Roddi
The Castle of Roddi rises high from the top of the hill in Roddi, a small village. Exploring Castle of Roddi is the most adventures and recommended things to do in Langhe. Gaio Francesco Della Mirandola originally built the castle in the 1500s, and he was the nephew of Pico, the great philosopher, humanist, and poet. The Castle of Roddi, tall and powerful, is an important example of Medieval architecture within fortresses.
The first documented evidence of the castle’s existence dates back to the 11th century. The 1300s are the first time that it is clear that these properties belonged to the Falletti family.
The property passes to the Falletti family, the Counts de Mirandola (1526), and the Chiesa (1690).
The Savoy family later took the castle to the Congress of Vienna (1814-1815). In 2001, the castle was transferred to the State and became the property of the Township.
The castle’s central structure is three floors on a steep, high slope, and two round towers complete the castle’s defensive structure. A drawbridge also protected the castle, but now it is almost extinct. Visitors can enter the castle via an outdoor courtyard. There is also a restaurant in the castle and several other places of interest.
Address :- Via Carlo Alberto, 2, 12060 Roddi CN, Italy
9. Panchina Gigante Rossa
We expect to see many more Big Benches built to make us feel again like children when we climb on them. Climbing on Big Benches is the most funniest things to do in Langhe by adult is always recall the memory of childhood. Many new people will come to this area to take in the amazing views of the countryside.
Big Bench Community Project (BBCP) is the initiative that supports local business, tourism, and craftsmanship in the communities that have these large-scale installations. The BBCP is an initiative that does not profit and has been promoted by American designer Chris Bangle and Catherine, Clavesana citizens, since 2009.
BBCP activities are strictly non-profit and include technical support for people who want to build official Big Benches and collaboration with prominent local artisans to create products inspired by them.
This may be a small contribution to the local economy and tourism in the spirit that Big Benches bring to the area.
Address :- 12064 La Morra, Province of Cuneo, Italy
10. Corkscrew Museum
Visiting Corkscrew Museum is the most unique Things to do in Langhe because it is a private collection of over a thousand pieces, from the 17th century through today. More than 1000 corkscrews can be seen in the Domaine de la Citadelle’s 40-hectare vineyard.
In the middle of the 17th century, the first corkscrews were invented. It is believed to be an English invention. The idea is thought to have originated from the spiraled part of the instrument, which was used to remove bullets from wounds.
The shape of the glass bottle has changed with the industrial age. We moved from the “onion bulb” to the cylindrical version we now know, which allows us to stock the bottles easily.
Museum’s oldest piece is French, which dates back to the end of the 17th century. Corkscrews began as simple tools, often in the shape of a “T,” and required force to operate. These were made by blacksmiths or gold-smiths who were the only ones capable of mastering metalwork at that time.
Address :- Piazza Mazzocchi, 4, 12060 Barolo CN, Italy
