Guide to the territory of the between and Monferrato Welcome to the Province of Asti! the sweet heart of

A territory shaped as a bunch of grapes, that extends between the at one of the many lovely restaurants where you can taste the dishes beautiful hills of the Monferrato and of the Langhe, among the charm- of the rich food and wine heritage. ing wine landscapes that in 2014 have been awarded the prestigious Asti and its hills, on which you can find a warm welcome in small hotels Unesco world heritage recognition. of charme, in lovely farms or B&Bs, await you for a unique, relaxing The lands surrounding Asti, famous worldwide for their wines, deserve and original experience: nothing here is built to impress, the beauty of to be known also for their history, art and traditions that duly come these lands lies in the authenticity of their products, in the harmony of back in the great events of September or in all events that enliven the their landscape and in the passion that people of these lands express many small but lively municipalities of the territory. by carrying on all their traditions. Places to discover slowly, alternating outdoor excursions, cultural vis- A small territory, for great emotions! its among museums, castles and towers, pauses in wine cellars, enjoy- AstiTurismo, the local tourist agency, welcomes you and wishes you a able sports activities, spa treatments and shopping, finishing the day happy stay. Asti lands of art and culture Come to Asti, to the Monferrato and the Langa Astigiana not only to enjoy the colors of the hills and the flavors of universally famous food and wine but to discover examples of art and history still majorly unknown. The monuments and museums of the capital, the Romanesque churches and the baroque parishes of the Monferrato, the castles, the medieval watchtowers and the stone villages of the Langa around Asti, the small historical town centers in the province such as Nizza, , San Damiano, , the ethnographic museums and the museums of wine that preserve the material culture of these lands, the craft and restoration workshops of excellence will fascinate and surprise you.

museums in Asti

ASSOCIATION OF THE FOUNDATION TAPESTRY MUSEUM ARAZZERIA SCASSA PALAZZO DEL COLLEGIO PALAZZO MAZZETTI SYNAGOGUE AND JEWISH MUSEUM GIOV-ANNA PIRAS (THE MUSEUM IS BEING MOVED TO PALAZZO ALFIERI) SANT’ANASTASIO MUSEUM CIVIC MUSEUM Via Ottolenghi, 8 - Asti Via Brofferio, 80 - Asti Corso Alfieri, 375 - Asti Corso Alfieri 365/A - Asti Corso Alfieri, 357 - Asti +39 0141 354835 +39 0141 437454 +39 0141 530403 +39 0141 352111 +39 0141 271164 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.comune.asti.it [email protected] www.israt.it www.fondopiras.com www.arazzeriascassa.com www.palazzomazzetti.it

PALAZZO DEL MICHELERIO DOMUS ROMANA PALAZZO ALFIERI – MUSEUM ALFIERI SPAZIO SAN GIOVANNI GUGLIELMINETTI FOUNDATION FOSSIL MUSEUM Via Varrone, 30 - Asti MUSEUM OF PALAEONTOLOGY PALAZZO OTTOLENGHI DIOCESAN MUSEUM Corso Alfieri, 375 - Asti RISORGIMENTO MUSEUM +39 0141 437454 Corso Alfieri 381 - Asti Via Natta, 36 - Asti +39 0141 399489 - 399466 - 399588 Corso Alfieri, 350 - Asti +39 0141 399489 +39 0141 592091 +39 0141 592176 (ext. 56) www..asti.it +39 0141 399555 www.comune.asti.it [email protected] [email protected] www.comune.asti.it www.parchiastigiani.org www.museo.sicdat.it MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM ALFIERI Corso Alfieri, 2 - Asti Opening in 2016 +39 0141 399489 - 399466 - 399588 www.comune.asti.it museums around Asti

CANELLI CISTERNA D’ASTI MUSA - MULTIMEDIA MUSEUM MUSEUM OF PEASANT LIFE IN THE MUSEUM OF HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF MODERN ART MUSARMO MUSEUM “BERSANO” OF PEASANT SUG@R(T) HOUSE OF THE AREA SOUTH OF ASTI NINETEENTH CENTURY ARTS AND CRAFTS Via Brofferio, 21 Mombercelli CULTURE AND ANTIQUE PRINTS OF WINE SUGAR MUSEUM Via G.B. Giuliani, 29 - Località Colle Don Bosco, 30 Medieval castle, +39 0141 959610 Piazza Dante, 10 - Nizza Monferrato S.s. 456 per , Corso Acqui, 254 +39 0141 820280 Castelnuovo Don Bosco Piazza Maggiore Hope,1 +39 338 4246055 +39 0141 721273 Nizza Monferrato +39 0141 979021 [email protected] +39 011 9876976 [email protected] [email protected] +39 0141 727857 www.comune.canelli.at.it www.colledonbosco.it [email protected] www.musarmo.comune.mombercelli.at.it www.bersano.it [email protected] www.museoartiemestieri.it www.sugarhouse.it ETHNOLOGICAL MISSIONARY MONCALVO MUSEUM CONTE BALLADA DI SAINT ROBERT MUSEUM COSTIGLIOLE D’ASTI MUSEUM OF TASTE MODERN ART GALLERY F. MONTANARI Regional wine cellar Località Colle Don Bosco, 30 SACRED ART MUSEUM Parco della Rimembranza and panoramic Via Caccia, 5 Moncalvo of Nizza Monferrato Castelnuovo Don Bosco tower of Borgo Castello Chiesa della Confraternita +39 0141 917427 Palazzo Crova, Via Crova, 2 - Nizza Monferrato Castagnole delle Lanze +39 011 9876976 di San Gerolamo +39 0141917505 +39 0141 793350 +39 335 8489162 www.colledonbosco.it Via Don Renato Cellino, 11 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Costigliole d’Asti www.palazzodelgusto.it www.torrepaoloballadadisaintrobert.it +39 0141 966028

Asti lands of wine Around the world Asti means Spumante but the range of DOC and DOCG wines from the lands surrounding Asti includes all types of wines: white, red, sweet, dry, sparkling and lively, able to accompany the most varied menus for the most refined palates. Great reds like , or small and precious typical products of a single town such as the passito (sweet, liqueurish wine). In all cases, however, the result of a family production, following the tradition and aiming at the quality more than at the quantity. Quality that you can touch (or better taste and smell) in the many wineries, both in the historical wine cellars and in the younger ones, in the (partly UNESCO world heritage) that cover our hills, so difficult to take care of for the slopes and narrow rows where the access of mechanized vehicles is almost impossible.

Asti Spumante and it is now considered among the most important Italian red wines and it is gaining and territory are called the same way, thus crowning the over 250 meters above sea level, in the hilly area to Cisterna d’Asti It has made the name of this city famous in the world. Asti is the aromatic growing international consensus. The color is ruby red, particularly intense in the decennial work of the 39 producers who have founded the the right of the river . In the White version it red wine obtained from the fermentation of Croatina par excellence, one of the few DOCG wines in . Produced Superior type, it tends to garnet with aging. The aroma is intense, vinous when Producers Association of Nizza. is straw yellow with green highlights. The pérlage is grapes grown on the sunny hills of Cisterna d’Asti. The with white Moscato grapes, it has a characteristic fruity aroma and flavor, with young. To the taste, it is full of great warmth and harmony. It is very good with many fine and persistent. The aromas are of great intensity vocation of the hills of this area near Asti for the cultivation an immediate fragrance, with a moderate alcohol content. It has exceptional first courses with sauce, also with robust dishes, with stews, roasts, game, spicy and complexity, the taste balanced, sapid, full and of this variety allows the production of a wine of great features that distinguish it and make it unique and unrepeatable in the world. and tasty cheeses. The , vine used for the production of the famous enveloping with a slight reminder of almond. The Rosé structure and personality. Intense deep ruby red color With a pale golden color, it has a delicately sweet and balanced taste. It’s the Barolo and Barbaresco, finds its historical setting has a powder pink color. Spicy scent. Balanced taste, caressed by vivid purple hues, fruity scent with notes of wine for special occasions: with its intense sweet taste it is excellent with any Barbera del Monferrato exceptionally in this small area of the Monferrato. Only the intense with citrus notes. Ideal as an aperitif, but also plum jam and red fruits; vinous and harmonious flavor; it dessert. It’s often a still wine with a good body that satisfies the most demanding palates best hillsides of four municipalities (Albugnano, Pino d’Asti, suitable for meals. matches the typical Piedmontese dishes like ravioli and in the variety of possible combinations and consumption opportunities. In the Castelnuovo Don Bosco and ) produce risotto, but also second courses with meat and fatty cold Moscato d’Asti multiplicity that characterizes Barbera, another soul is expressed successfully in Nebbiolo grapes destined for Albugnano wine, a very limited d’Acqui cuts. It is produced from the same grapes from which Asti Spumante is obtained, the sparkling Barbera del Monferrato: a sparkling wine to be drunk young, with a fruity production. With a color from a ruby red to a more or less Brachetto d’Acqui is a wine with an unmistakable but it is slightly sweeter, less sparkling and with a lower alcohol content. Fruity bouquet. The color is ruby red with violet hues more or less accentuated. The taste intense garnet, it develops delicate aromas from raspberry pérlage, scent and taste: sparkling and aromatic, it is dell’Alto Monferrato like the previous it is produced almost exclusively by small to medium sized is full and harmonious and it is suitable with many types of first courses, appetizers, to wild strawberry and slight floral and spicy notes, more well suited for all social occasions. It is produced in Among the white grape varieties, Cortese occupies a place businesses and it is a wine that is emerging today in haute cuisine and in the cold cuts, boiled meats, white meats and light roasts. complex if aged in oak barrels. The dishes, recommended as 26 municipalities largely in the lands surrounding Asti. as leader in Piedmont. It’s a dry white wine, fresh and light most fashionable wine shops. Perfect at the end of a meal and, served chilled, it a combination, are tasty meats and aged cheeses. The vine used is the homonymous Brachetto, which and sometimes, a wine with more structure, personality and is an excellent combination with fresh and dry pastries. Nizza produces beautiful blue-purple bunches. The wine elegance; it is also produced in the sparkling version. With Produced exclusively from Barbera grapes that come from the best exposed Alta Langa that is obtained is ruby red and it reminds the nose of a light straw yellow color, sometimes with greenish hues, it Barbera d’Asti vineyards of the 18 municipalities in the Nizza area. It’s a wine of structure, elegance White or Rosé it is a craft Brut of great prestige made with freshly picked strawberries. Important dessert wine, it has a faint and persistent aroma with notes of flowers and Produced with the grapes of the homonymous vine, it is one of the most noble and longevity that represents the greater expression of the binomial vine (Barbera) grapes of a single vintage year, produced from Pinot Noir offers its best with fruit tarts and fruit salads or fresh fresh fruit; the taste is dry, rightly acid, with a slightly bitter Piedmontese wines. It is linked to old peasant traditions, but it has been renewed and territory. From the 2014 vintage it boasts an autonomous DOCG, where wine and . The grapes are grown in vineyards situated strawberries. end. It is very good with cold appetizers, fish and soups. Asti winehouses and wineshops

Regional and municipal winehouses and wineshops (often within historic buildings, suggestive cellars or bastions) are fascinating places where information about winemaking, tastings and the purchase of wines of local producers and of typical products are often combined with restaurants, culture, small d’Asti original wine. More or less pale ruby red, it has a delicate Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco wine museums, art, events. Dolcetto, an ancient local grape variety that in Piedmont bouquet with fruity notes and notes of undergrowth. In a small area, on the hills around Asti overlooking the has 11 appellations of origin, has its prestigious location in a With an austere and refined taste, dry with a pleasantly province of , the Malvasia di Schierano or Malvasia limited area south of Asti. The color is ruby red with more or bitter aftertaste. It is a good combination with mixed with “a short bunch” is grown; it produces a very pleasant less accentuated violet reflections, tending to garnet with starters of cold cuts, dry soups and broth, Piedmontese sweet wine, fizzy or sparkling, the Malvasia di Castelnuovo its evolution; the intense aroma of red fruit often with notes mixed fry and roasted white meat. Don Bosco. With a cherry red color with a typical aroma of cherry accompanies a high intensity and harmonious reminiscent of rosehips and hints of red fruits; sweet, fizzy taste, with a typical almond aftertaste, elements that make Loazzolo or sparkling, it is completed in the final with harmonic flavor REGIONAL WINEHOUSES it suitable for light dishes of the Piedmont cuisine. This particular wine is produced from white Moscato notes. It is a good combination with all desserts, biscuits ENOTECA REGIONALE DI CANELLI E DELL’ASTESANA ENOTECA REGIONALE DI NIZZA MONFERRATO aromatic grapes in Loazzolo, a small town in the Langa and dried fruit. It should be served young and very chilled. Via G.B. Giuliani, 29 - 14053 Canelli (AT) Via Crova, 2 (Registered office) d’Asti around Asti. On these high hills Moscato grapes are +39 0141 822640 Via Carlo Alberto 58 (Wine Shop) It is produced with the grapes of the homonymous vine, it brought to maturity with extreme care and they are left Ruchè di +39 0141 964821 14049 Nizza Monferrato (AT) is spread across the Monferrato around Asti, but it finds its to gradually wither. From these you get a sweet very Produced with the grapes of the homonymous vine that Visits, sale and tastings of local DOC and DOCG wines, in particular Asti +39 366 5942901 area of election in the territory north of the province of Asti. valuable wine in limited quantities that can be called can be found in the hills of the municipality of Castagnole Spumante, Metodo Classico Brut, Moscato d’Asti, Loazzolo, Barbera d’Asti, Permanent exhibition, tastings and sale of wine and typical products. The color is ruby red tending towards garnet if “Superior”, Loazzolo, only after at least two years in the cellar. Monferrato and of the six surrounding municipalities. Dolcetto d’Asti, Grignolino, Monferrato and grappe from only one type of vine. Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7.30 pm; with an intense aroma the delicate scent of rose and The color is bright golden yellow, it has an intense aroma Intended for family consumption in the past, it was the wine Opening hours for tastings: the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from 9.30 am to 1 pm raspberry prevails, which evolves into pleasant musky hints and it is pleasantly sweet. It’s a meditation wine that can of “great occasions”, always bound to beautiful moments Monday from 10 am to 1 pm | From Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 1 pm [email protected] with aging. It combines well with all dishes and it can be accompany small pastries or mature cheeses. of life. The aroma is intense, persistent, aromatic and fruity, and from 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm | Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm www.enotecanizza.it vinified also in the sweet version thus becoming ideal with accompanied by a dry or, harmonious, sometimes slightly and from 2 pm to 6 pm all desserts. Malvasia di tannic flavor. It’s a fine wine, for an entire meal, a good Reservations required for group tastings with more than 10 people. WINESHOPS The hills that host the vineyards which produce Malvasia combination with dishes of red meat and game, tasty, hard [email protected] CANTINA COMUNALE DI BRUNO Grignolino d’Asti are those of the homonymous municipality in the cheeses, but it can also be consumed between meals. www.enotecaregionaledicanelli.it Piazza Ivaldi, 2 - 14046 Bruno (AT) Grignolino emerges in the history of the ancient Piedmont province of Asti. Slightly sparkling, with a low alcohol +39 0141 764124 (info c/o Municipality) vineyards, it finds its ideal land between Asti and Casale. content, it can be enjoyed at any time of day. It has an ENOTECA REGIONALE COLLINE ALFIERI DELL’ASTIGIANO +39 349 4059338 The name derives almost certainly from “grignole”, which aromatic scent that emphasizes fruit flavors such as FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Under construction Fri. and Sat. evenings 6 pm – 11 pm; in local dialect refers to the seeds, abundant in its grapes. raspberry and ripe cherry. It is a good combination with www.viniastimonferrato.it www.produttorimoscato.it 14015 San Damiano d’Asti (AT) Sun. 10 am – 5 pm It is a very demanding vine in terms of climate and terrain, all desserts, biscuits and dried fruit and fruit salads. It www.astidocg.info www.brachettodacqui.com +39 0141 975056 (Municipality – Commerce Office) Periodic closure in January difficult to grow and to use to make wine, but it offers an should be served young and very chilled. www.altalangadocg.com www.ilnizza.net [email protected] and February BOTTEGA DEL VINO DELLA LANGA ASTIGIANA BOTTEGA DEL VINO DI CISTERNA D’ASTI BOTTEGA DEL GRIGNOLINO DI Via Consortile, 18 (in the ancient spinning mill) 14051 (AT) ASS. OSTERIA DEL CASTELLO Piazza Marconi, 7 - 14037 Portacomaro (AT) +39 0144 83502 (Municipality) Piazza Rossino, 1 1- 4010 Cisterna d’Asti (AT) +39 0141 202627 +39 347 0632366 +39 0141 979528 +39 0141 278029 (c/o Municipality) Exhibition and sale of DOC and DOCG wines and of cheeses +39 348 2513495 (President Mr. Olivetti Alessandro) At the moment under renovation. Opening foreseen from the Langa surrounding Asti Tastings and wine sale. Periodical tastings in collaboration at the end of 2015. Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8 am – 8 pm with the Museum. [email protected] from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 12.30 am and BOTTEGA DEL VINO DI from 3 pm to 7 pm BOTTEGA DEL VINO Piazza Martiri della Libertà, 5 - 14042 Calamandrana (AT) Closing period: January and February Via Don Reggio, 2 - 14040 Quaranti (AT) +39 348 6641253 [email protected] +39 0141 793939 Exhibition and sale of local DOC and DOCG wines www.vignaiolicisternesi.it +39 0141 793910 (Municipality) Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm; Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm Exhibition and sale of local DOC and DOCG wines, tastings www.comune.calamandrana.at.it CANTINA COMUNALE DI COSTIGLIOLE D’ASTI and food specialties Via Roma, 9 (c/o Municipality) 14055 Costigliole d’Asti (AT) from April to September on Monday for lunch and from CANTINA COMUNALE DI – CROTA D’CALOS +39 0141 961661- +39 0141 966037 Tuesday to Sunday: from 9 am to 11 pm (closed on Asti lands of excellence Via Cairoli, 7 - 14052 Calosso (AT) Visits, tastings and sale of local DOC and DOCG wines. Monday evening). From October to March open from +39 0141 853232 - +39 0141 853205 Wide range of grappe and of typical products. Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 11 pm (closed on A trip to the lands surrounding Asti is also an opportunity for pleasant culinary stops to discover the traditional +39 348 3109637 Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 12 am Monday and Tuesday). local cuisine. Here, in fact, you can enjoy an unrivaled heritage of typical products obtained with traditional methods Exhibition and sale of local DOC and DOCG wines and from 3 pm to 6 pm January: closed of growing and processing that become the basic ingredients for a genuine and varied cuisine. There are many from 11 am to 3 pm; from 6 pm to midnight; [email protected] opportunities to buy products of excellence in the producers’ markets, in local specialty shops, directly from the Sat. and Sun. 11 am - midnight www.cantinavini.it BOTTEGA DEL VINO DI Closing times: Tuesday from November to March; Piazza Caduti, 3 - 14010 San Martino Alfieri (AT) farms and taste the traditional menus in restaurants, taverns, wineries, farms and during the many food and wine Wednesday always; vacation from 10/01 to 10/02 and +39 0141 976123 events that characterize all the seasons of the year. BOTTEGA DEL VINO DI MONCALVO the first week of September (not in 2015). Information +39 0141 976211 (Municipality) Piazza Antico Castello, 1 - 14036 Moncalvo (AT) point for visits to wineries. +39 334 6271565 TRUFFLE FAIRS +39 0141 917130 +39 335 8373770 [email protected] Tastings and sale of local wines: Barbera d’Asti Superiore, NATIONAL FAIRS from March to December: Thursday and Friday from 6 pm Barbera d’Asti and of the Monferrato, Grignolino d’Asti and Moncalvo (last two Sundays in October) to 11 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm. st BOTTEGA DEL VINO DI CASTAGNOLE DELLE LANZE Grignolino, Piemonte Bonarda, Terre Alfieri Arneis, Montechiaro (1 Sunday in November) Via Bettica, 13 - 14054 Castagnole delle Lanze (AT) [email protected] Piemonte Cortese, Monferrato and Dolcetto. REGIONAL FAIRS +39 0141 877219 - +39 0141 877132 www.bottegadelvinodimoncalvo.it from April to October Sunday from 3 pm to 6 pm Asti (3rd weekend in November) – Canelli (2nd Sunday in November) Exhibition and sale of local DOC and DOCG wines or with a reservation THE TRUFFLE (1st Sunday in December) – Mombercelli (3rd Sunday in Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 12.30 am BOTTEGA DEL VINO DI [email protected] As well as the Langhe hills also the Monferrato hills, and therefore the October) - (first two Sundays in October and from 3 pm to 7 pm Via A. Mosso, 6 - 14024 Moncucco Torinese (AT) www.comune.sanmartinoalfieri.at.it lands surrounding Asti that are part of them, are universally recognized San Damiano (1st Sunday in November) (for the other days reservations are required) +39 011 9874765 +39 011 9927144 as the chosen land of truffles and precisely of the Tuber Magnatum Pico, [email protected] Exhibition and sale of local DOC wines better known as white truffle. But not only white! In the Monferrato hills FAIRS AND DAYS DEDICATED TO TRUFFLES Wed, Thur. and Fri. 3 pm – 8 pm; Saturday and almost all the best kinds of “truffle” can be found: from the prized black Castagnole Monferrato, Castagnole Lanze, Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Sunday 9 am – 12 am and 4 pm – 8 pm BOTTEGA DEL VINO DI one that is sought after until spring to the so-called “hooked”, from the , , Montegrosso, Nizza Monferrato Closing times: Monday and Tuesday all year round Viale Rimembranza, 1 - 14040 Castelletto Molina (AT) less valuable summer black one to the spring bianchetto (little white). +39 0141 739198 (Municipality) (Wednesday only in winter) Many fairs and exhibitions are dedicated to this “excellence” in the lands www.fieradeltartufodimoncalvo.it from July to September during the local events [email protected] www.montechiaro.info of the Pro Loco www.bottegadelvinodimoncucco.it surrounding Asti and every year between October and December they [email protected] www.trattoriadelfreisa.it attract tourists from all over the world. www.comune.asti.it ROBIOLA DI DOP way in ancient workshops, but the hazelnut is here also the primary ingredient for The Robiola cheese from Roccaverano has ancient origins; some testimonies date cakes, macaroons, for Cougna (an ancient sauce made to accompany cheeses and it back to the Celtic-Ligurian period, later recounted by Plinio and Pantaleone, who boiled meat); in these territories an excellent hazelnut oil is also produced. appreciated its qualities and illustrated its production cycle. Its name refers to both the Latin “robium,” referring to the reddish color of the outside of the dough, and to MEAT AND COLD CUTS the name of the town of Roccaverano near Asti where the product was first born. The Fat Ox from Moncalvo, which an ancient fair is dedicated to in December (the Roccaverano Robiola cheese is the only Italian DOP (Protected Origin) cheese that boiled meat made with its cuts is one of the main dishes of winter) is the apotheosis can be produced only with goat and cow milk. However, at least 50% of goat’s milk of the great quality of beef meat in the lands surrounding Asti, meat that is also must be present, the remaining 50% can be from sheep’s milk or cow’s milk. The excellent raw beaten with a knife as tradition wants. The raw and cooked salami, the current regulation prohibits the use of GMO fodder. The mainly family production (that prosciutto from Cocconato, the frisse (little meat roulades), the batsoas (pork meat can be bought directly from the producers) often goes along with local honey and fritters), are just some of the many productions made with pork meat and innards. scented mustards (must of grapes, nuts and fruits). Among the cold cuts the production made with donkey meat, in the northeastern lands around Asti is definitely original. Among the traditional meats that have been CONSORZIO PER LA TUTELA DEL FORMAGGIO ROBIOLA DI ROCCAVERANO D. O. P. revalued in recent years and that have inspired many fairs, we find the capon of San Asti lands of saints and religious people (CONSORTIUM FOR THE PROTECTION OF DOP ROCCAVERANO ROBIOLA CHEESE) Damiano and and the Blond Chicken of Villanova. c/o Comunità Montana LANGA ASTIGIANA VAL BORMIDA Via Roma, 8 - 14050 Roccaverano (AT) THE PRODUCTS OF THE EARTH +39 0144 88465 - +39 0144 93350 Every season has its peculiarities: spring offers tender and fresh salads, peas, [email protected] the Valtiglione artichoke, the asparagus, aromatic herbs; in summer niche Very few know that these beautiful hills have given birth to great people jewel of medieval art and precious testimony of Marian faith at the same www.robioladiroccaverano.com products ripen such as the square pepper of Motta, the cerrato tomato and the remembered in history for their spirituality, for their deeds and for their time. Many paths traced to explore these places rich in spirituality and golden celery from Asti together with tasty fruits like the limonine peaches of social commitment. In fact, these are the hills of St. Giovanni Bosco countless churches of great historical and artistic interest; we mention CHEESES Variglie (to be filled with chocolate and macaroons). But autumn is the season of founder of the Salesians order, the most famous Piedmontese saint of all some as a starting point for the discovery of this heritage: San Secondo In all the other lands surrounding Asti you can also find cheeses made from goat’s excellence: grapes, destined to be transformed into excellent wines, white truffle of times and whose popularity has reached all continents; these are also the of Cortazzone and San Lorenzo of Montiglio for the sculptural decorations and cow’s milk, the typical cottage cheese (seirass) and in Cocconato fresh robiola the Monferrato hills, with its unmistakable aroma that enhances the local traditional hills of St. Giuseppe Cafasso, St. Domenico Savio, Cardinal Massaja, Maria rich in religious symbols, San Nazario of Montechiaro for the wonderful cheese. dishes, the cardoon of Nizza Monferrato, indispensable ingredient to be dipped in the Mazzarello, , Giuseppe Allamano, Giuseppe Marello two-tone appearance and harmony with the landscape, San Giorgio of “Bagna Cauda” (a sauce made with olive oil, garlic and anchovies). and Luigi Variara: men and women that, driven by faith and their innate Bagnasco in for the amazing apses that defy the roughness of THE PIEDMONT HAZELNUT propensity to goodness and fraternity, were ambassadors of peace and the ground. The variety of hazelnut grown in Piedmont is the Tonda Gentile Trilobata. Production brotherhood. In addition to numerous saints the Asti area is the native land of the is concentrated between the Monferrato hills and the Langhe hills. The denomination Already in the past the Asti area was a protagonist in the religious sphere present Pope. It is from the gentle hills surrounding Asti that the IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) guarantees the quality and authenticity of as it was crossed by numerous pilgrims traveling along the routes of the ancestors of Pope Francis traveled to Argentina at the beginning of the the product to users and consumers. The hazelnut Tonda Gentile is the best in Italy Via Francigena, still viable. A passage also testified by the numerous twentieth century. for confectionery production and it is grown in various areas around Asti. The local Romanesque churches among which the Complex of Santa Maria excellence is the hazelnut nougat, still produced in the traditional Vezzolano (XI-XII sec.) excels, isolated in a quiet valley of Albugnano, www.colledonbosco.it Asti lands to live On foot, by mountain bike, on horseback or accompanied by sweet donkeys (Donkey trekking), these are the best ways to immerse yourself in the landscape and history of Asti and its territories. There are many marked trails for all needs, from families with children to those who love long multi-day treks. You can choose among quiet nature walks in the Nature Reserves, the tracks of the Via Francigena, routes among Romanesque churches and vineyards, religious, literary paths, from the hazelnut path in to that of the Cinque Torri (Five Towers) in the Langa Astigiana, from the places of Don Bosco to those of the writer Davide Lajolo.

South Itinerary FROM ASTI TO THE LANGA HILLS THROUGH THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE VINEYARDS A “sea” of hills south of the river Tanaro, castles, nature reserves, villages immersed in the vineyards and typical products to discover. An itinerary for those who want to immerse themselves in the sea of vineyards south of Asti and cross the vineyards that give birth to Asti Moscato wine and therefore to the Asti DOCG, the world’s most popular sweet sparkling wine.

The city of Asti preserves a large, beautiful and still unknown historical precious Romanesque jewel in Asti. If you take just a few steps further, you You start from Asti and you arrive to the most southern point of the site recently registered in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. center with a medieval structure, that can be visited on foot, and that will will meet the imposing Gothic Cathedral of the Assumption, the largest of province, in a location that allows you to enjoy the UNESCO world heritage Canelli is also the gateway to the Langa Astigiana, characterized by high surprise you with beautiful monuments, high towers, small and private Piedmont, with the adjacent Diocesan Museum in the ancient church of wine landscape, the stillness and the quietness, the charm of the small hills and beautiful and quiet stone villages connected by paths through squares and museums that make Asti a small town of art. Starting from San Giovanni and Palazzo Alfieri, birthplace of the author of tragedies, future towns and the culinary excellences. The route touches first AGLIANO woods and ravines of great natural and scenic interest, by the typical the train station or from the central Piazza Alfieri you will reach Piazza San seat of the prestigious Museum of Tapestries Scassa. Palazzo Michelerio TERME with its spa, COSTIGLIOLE D’ASTI with its imposing castle, the products of excellence such as the Roccaverano DOP cheese and Secondo, the heart and the sitting room of the center of town with the will come after that with the sixteenth-century courtyard from which you ICIF headquarters, the school where young chefs from around the world medieval towers. eighteenth-century Town Hall and the Gothic-Romanesque Collegiate church can access the Paleontological Museum. A few meters away you will find the learn the secrets of our cuisine, and the so-called Rocca with the more Going up to you then descend to BUBBIO in Valle on its side dedicated to San Secondo, patron of the city. The medieval Torre Rossa, a Roman building, and the remains of the fourteenth-century antique buildings. Then you continue to CALOSSO town of the crutin, cells Bormida. Not far from there the castle and the Romanesque bridge of porticos of Via Gobetti will accompany you to Corso Alfieri, the ancient road walls. Returning to Piazza Alfieri you cannot miss the Trojana Tower, the dug into tuff where wines were preserved and matured, with the castle and LOAZZOLO with the smallest DOC in Italy. of the Roman city that runs through the whole historical center. If you follow most representative (and the only one that can be visited) of the medieval of and splendid scenic views and then you descend to CANELLI, The path leads to the highest town in the province, ROCCAVERANO, the it, you will reach Piazza Roma with the Comentina Tower and the baroque towers of Asti. Continuing on the eastern side of Corso Alfieri you will reach capital of Spumante sparkling wine, from the road of Piana del Salto capital of the Langa. The square, with the church created by Bramante’s buildings, first of all Palazzo Mazzetti, sumptuous noble residency, seat of the the medieval complex of San Pietro in Consavia, with the Romanesque among the vineyards of Moscato. The walk of Sternìa allows you to admire scholars in 1509, the remains of the castle of the Marquis of Carretto Municipal Art Gallery and of important temporary exhibitions. building of the so-called Rotunda. Don’t forget the old Jewish ghetto and the the eighteenth-century churches of St. Tommaso, St. Leonardo and St. and the mighty round tower, is a real gem. With a pleasant walk you can Opposite, Palazzo Ottolenghi which houses the Museum of the Risorgimento many narrow cobbled streets where you will discover caseforti and Baroque Rocco finally reaching the Gancia Castle. Do not miss the Underground reach the Tower of Vengore, isolated among the fields, and the church of and after that the Civic Museum of Sant’Anastasio with its crypt, the most churches, remains of towers, courtyards, small craft shops or art galleries. Cathedrals of the Historical Wine Cellars of Asti Spumante, parts of the San Giovanni with a precious cycle of frescoes of the fifteenth century. ASTI

Vinchio

MOMBALDONE is a small, well preserved medieval village, with the walls North East Itinerary THE LANDS OF ALERAMO - BETWEEN ASTI AND MONCALVO and the entrance arch and beautiful stone houses, included among the The area between Asti and Moncalvo is the heart of the geographical Monferrato and also of the historic Moncalvo 100 most beautiful villages in Italy and among the Sustainable Villages of Agliano Mombaruzzo Marquis. These lands surrounding Asti are characterized by rolling hills where vineyards, which are the Grazzano Piedmont. buffer zone of the UNESCO World Heritage site, are interspersed with other crops. The towns where Badoglio Returning to Canelli you can reach NIZZA MONFERRATO with its narrow Costigliole Nizza Monferrato the castles were destroyed by frequent wars between the Middle Ages and the eighteenth century main street and specialty shops (to taste the Beli Cauda, that is a salty D’Asti are dominated by impressive parish churches that preserve valuable works of called patty made with chickpeas flour), the old bakeries, the civic tower, the Moncalvo, indefatigable artist of Piedmont’s Mannerism. beautiful churches. To visit the Enoteca Regionale of Barbera (regional wine shop) in Palazzo Crova, built in the eighteenth century, with the PORTACOMARO is worth a walk on the ramparts of facade of the parish church, full of paintings from Casorzo Calosso Museum of Taste and, to remain in the theme of wine, the Museum the fort and a visit to the Romanesque church of the sixteenth to the eighteenth century and the Bersano of the Contadinerie (rural culture) and Prints about wine, or San Pietro. retains the impressive small Museum of Sacred Art. CASORZO offers sug@R(T) House, the “sweet” museum dedicated to sugar. Then you Canelli castle, which also includes the lovely parish. visitors another wonderful parish and, in the church can continue to MOMBARUZZO among the rows of Alto Monferrato to CASTAGNOLE MONFERRATO invites you to taste square, an exceptional horse chestnut 250 years old Grana taste the famous freshly baked macaroons. Returning to Asti a stop in its precious Ruchè wine at the Cantina Sociale at which is part of the monumental trees of Piedmont. VINCHIO, the birthplace of the writer and journalist Davide Lajolo whom the entrance of the town or at the many indicated , birthplace of Marshal a museum is dedicated to, and the heart of the Nature Reserve of the Producers. The suggestions for a visit are: a walk Badoglio whom a small museum is dedicated to, Montemagno Sarmassa Valley that allows beautiful walks in the places described by Loazzolo along the Miraja, the ramparts of the old town with is also the place where the tomb of Aleramo is the writer, among the woods and historical vineyards of Barbera wine. Bubbio stops at the church of San Martino, the remains located (in the parish church, that once was an of the castle, the largest sundial in Europe and abbey), founder of the dynasty of the Marquis of Monastero the elegant Tenuta La Mercantile. MONTEMAGNO Monferrato, who died in 941 AD; the houses built Bormida is a beautiful medieval village dominated by a with sandstone blocks are quite typical. The city of Scurzolengo Castagnole Monferrato crenellated castle and characterized by twelve MONCALVO was one of the capitals of the Marquis Portacomaro numbered streets that radiate out from the square and with its 3,500 inhabitants it is the smallest city of the manor: a unique type of plant in the area, in Italy (the title was granted by Gonzaga and then with glimpses of great charm and small details all confirmed by the Savoy in the eighteenth century). ASTI Roccaverano to discover. Do not miss the square of the parish Guglielmo Caccia known as “Il Moncalvo” lived and with the impressive staircase from the eighteenth worked here and the churches of the town, most century. Following the walk behind to the castle, notably that of St. Francesco, are a veritable art you can enjoy a wide view of the Monferrato hills, gallery of his school. A walk in the “Fracia”, the main and continuing to the cemetery, the remains of street of the old town, leads you to the big Piazza the Romanesque church of San Vittore are another Carlo Alberto with the powerful bastions in which great vantage point. you can find the Bottega del Vino (wine shop), the GRANA is characterized by the white and imposing Civic Theatre, cafes and restaurants. North West Itinerary THE FRANCIGENA AND THE ROMANESQUE

BETWEEN ASTI AND VEZZOLANO of works of art of international importance. From ALBUGNANO, after a A route recommended for those who love art, silence, castles and largely intact stop at the Motta lookout next to the parish, exceptional vantage point The land surrounding Asti means lifestyle, landscapes of the lower Monferrato. The routes traced in the Middle Ages by pilgrims Cocconato to see all of Piedmont, you descend to Vezzolano directed to the Abbey emotions and feelings that are generated whose resting stops were the villages with beautiful Romanesque churches, then Albugnano of Santa Maria of Vezzolano (XII-XIII century): the church, the cloister with also through sports practiced outdoor. remained isolated on the top of hills or in small rural cemeteries and the nature trails Montiglio its frescoes, the chapter house and the guest house form a complex of Many sports facilities are available for characterize the Lands of Saints whose heart is the birthplace of San Giovanni Bosco, Monferrato great beauty and great suggestion. In CASTELNUOVO DON BOSCO for those who want to keep fit during their not far from the Romanesque complex of Santa Maria Vezzolano, one of the symbols Cerreto those who want to visit the places of Don Bosco in the Becchi hamlet, we vacation: swimming pools, tennis courts, of Piedmont. suggest you to visit the monumental shrine, the birthplace and museum; a track for go-karting, horse riding Piovà there are also tours concerning San Giovanni Bosco and the other saints schools and golf clubs. Castelnuovo Massaia From Asti you reach CASTELL’ALFERO located at the beginning of the Don Bosco of the area (San Domenico Savio, San Giuseppe Cafasso, the Blessed Versa Valley and is dominated by the castle that was of the Earls Amico, Allamano, etc.). For those who prefer only an artistic itinerary, do not Two fields are available for those who elegant eighteenth century mansion that can be visited, whose cellars miss the Romanesque churches and the old town of Castelnuovo; for love golf: an 18-hole course in a hilly picturesque contexts of 75 acres about host a small but interesting ethnographic museum (“The Ciar”). Birthplace Montechiaro those who want to discover the wines of the area (Freisa, Malvasia of of the patriot Giambattista De Rolandis, considered the inventor of D’Asti Castelnuovo Don Bosco), a visit to the Cantina del Freisa is a must. 5000 meters long, and a 9-hole training the three-colour flag, and the mask of Giandouja, it also preserves the CERRETO offers the murals painted by contemporary artists and, in course, ideal place to get started or to Montafia practice near the city. Romanesque church of Madonna delle Nevi with its original circular bell Cortazzone Borgata Casaglio, the Romanesque church of Sant’Andrea. This area is tower. MONTECHIARO D’ASTI, village enclosed by walls with the civic also known as the Land of the Saints: in PIOVA’ MASSAIA for example Castell’Alfero tower, preserves, isolated on a hill, the beautiful Romanesque church the missionary Cardinal Massaia was born. The town of PIEA is dominated of San Nazario, that can be reached on foot to enjoy a landscape in full by the elegant castle venue for exhibitions and also CORTANZE is worth harmony with the sandstone and brick of the small parish . MONTIGLIO a stop to admire the medieval castle, with its crenellated tower and MONFERRATO had in the past a strategic location in the valley, as gardens. In MONTAFIA instead, in the small hamlet of Bagnasco, the witnessed today by the imposing medieval castle that was also the Romanesque church of San Giorgio surprises you. In CORTAZZONE, on seat of the court of the Marquis of Monferrato. In the cemetery you can the hill of Mongiglietto, the church of San Secondo with its repertoire of admire the Romanesque church of San Lorenzo with beautiful carved religious symbols (and not only) is all to be discovered in the sculptures San Damiano ASTI capitals. A gem: Montiglio is also called “the town of sundials” for the D’asti of the interior capitals and exterior decorations, a jewel of Romanesque many sundials on the façades of the houses. In COCCONATO you must art. Following the signs to TIGLIOLE before reaching the town, among see the old town with the Town Hall in Gothic style, the shops where the vineyards, we find the church of San Lorenzo that welcomes us with you can buy local products such as the Robiola cheese from Cocconato a beautiful sandstone portal embedded in the brick facade. Last stages and prosciutto, the eighteenth-century pharmacy, the beautiful parish. of this proposal is the beautiful town of SAN DAMIANO D’ASTI, which Thanks to its lucky hillside position and climate the area is called “the has a pleasant historical center cut by the porticos in Via Roma and two Riviera of Monferrato”. ARAMENGO is home to a laboratory of restoration Romanesque bell towers in the hamlets. PIEMONTE

Torino Asti the great events Asti The land surrounding Asti is full of events both in the capital and in small towns throughout the course of the year: festivals, traditional fairs, pageants, events related to wine and truffles, literary and theater festivals, music festivals, cultural visits , exhibitions, museum activities for young and old, outdoor events. To keep up to date on all of these opportunities to experience the region check the calendar of events on: www.astiturismo.it

MAY IN ASTI THE SIEGE OF CANELLI 1613 DOUJA D’OR AND FESTIVAL DELLE SAGRE THE PALIO OF ASTI Third weekend in June From the second weekend to the third Sunday in September Third weekend in September With the celebrations of the Patron Saint San Secondo, in Asti, on the first The Siege of Canelli is much more than just a historical The Douja d’Or is a National Wine Competition which rewards the best wines An exciting race on horses mounted without a saddle that was born in the Tuesday in May, you begin to breathe air of Palio. The previous Saturday reenactment: it is the celebration of the people of Canelli in the national and local wine scene; every day you will find tastings until late thirteenth century. The most ancient Palio of Italy is run in the central Piazza do not miss the impressive nocturnal ceremony of the Estimate, which that relive the past of their land. It’s a celebration where evening, conferences, cultural events, food and wine events of prestige Alfieri, and is characterized by a beautiful and engaging historical procession also offers a glimpse of the historical parade with soldiers, the group of the exact historical reconstruction is made lively and such as the Author dishes, cooked by the most renowned chefs of the that, starting from the square of the Cathedral runs through the streets of the Captain of the Palio on their horses, walk-ons of the districts and flag authentic by the involvement of people, tourists and lands surrounding Asti, the Tasting Evenings. During the second Saturday the historic center with more than 1,200 walk-ons of all the participating wavers. On Monday you can admire fireworks on the river Tanaro while on visitors. In the little town known worldwide for its great and Sunday of September, in the large village rebuilt in Piazza Campo del districts and municipalities (21 in all) that represent moments of the Tuesday, after the performance of talented flag wavers of the A.S.T.A., the wines and sparkling wines the event is also a special Palio, 45 pro-locos of the province present one or more traditional dishes medieval history of Asti. In the days before the city is full of colors of the exciting rite (unchanged since the Middle Ages) of the Offer of the Palio in occasion to visit the underground cathedrals of the accompanied by wines. Scents, flavors, colors, a full immersion of the five flags and is animated since Thursday with the paliotto of the flag wavers, the Collegiate church of San Secondo and the Solemn Mass followed by historical wine cellars and to taste the typical dishes senses in typical foods and wines. The great parade on Sunday morning with the propitiatory dinners, the colorful market of the Palio and the race trials the distribution of the “Soup of the Poor.” On Wednesday the invasion of of the local tradition in the magic night of the sieged or thousands of walk-ons that goes through the city center with animals and of the horses on the track. On Sunday morning do not miss the blessings of stalls in the old town with the ancient Carolingian Fair. during the lunch of victory. hothead old tractors evokes moments of rural life in our countries with a lively the horses and jockeys in the churchyards of the parish churches and the and careful representation that will excite and engage you.. exhibition of talented flag wavers of the A.S.T.A. in Piazza San Secondo.

www.comune.asti.it www.assediodicanelli.it www.doujador.it www.palio.asti.it www.diffusioneimmagine.it Agenzia Turistica Locale

AstiTurismo – ATL TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Piazza Alfieri, 34 - 14100 - Asti Opening times: Mon-Sat 9/13 - 14.30/18.30 Sun and Holidays 9/13 -13.30/17.30 Tel. +39 0141/530357- Fax +39 0141/538200

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