The most beautiful villages of Monferrato

Discovering medieval villages and their treasures

In the heart of Monferrato, a territory steeped in history and charm, lie enchanting medieval villages, each with its own stories and secrets to reveal. This fascinating region of northern Italy is a true treasure chest of hidden gems, where every stone tells a story and every alley holds secrets to uncover. Through the centuries, Monferrato has preserved traces of ancient noble dynasties, heroic struggles, and thousand-year traditions, creating a fascinating interweaving of past and present.
A journey through Monferrato's medieval villages is a path back in time, an opportunity to surrender to the wonder of a territory that still presents itself as authentic and genuine. Prepare to discover the unmissable villages of Monferrato and live an unforgettable experience among history, culture, and natural beauties.

Canelli

Canelli is a small treasure in the province of Asti, second only to Nizza Monferrato. This land of Asti Spumante, a true excellence exported worldwide, offers a treasure of wonders. Among these, the majestic Gancia castle, religious monuments like the parish church of San Tommaso, the parish church of San Leonardo, the church of San Rocco and that of the Annunziata, as well as the famous underground cellars. The historic cellars of Canelli, authentic underground cathedrals, extend beneath the village, revealing genuine masterpieces of engineering and oenological architecture. In these cellars, millions of bottles rest and ferment at a constant temperature of 12-14 degrees, giving life to the excellent Asti Spumante. Many of these cellars are open to the public and visitable, offering a unique experience for wine enthusiasts and curious visitors who want to immerse themselves in the history of this precious beverage.

Moncalvo

Among the most beautiful villages of Monferrato stands Moncalvo, which is also one of Italy's smallest. The ideal moment to immerse yourself in Moncalvo's historic center is at sunset, when the chromatic nuances of the sky blend with the lights that illuminate the historic palaces and shop signs. Walking through this village's narrow streets makes you feel like the noble protagonist of an ancient story, and a visit to its historic palaces is an inevitable experience. But the discovery of Moncalvo doesn't stop here, as you can continue toward two important religious buildings: the Church of Madonna delle Grazie and the Church of San Francesco, the latter enjoying a suggestive panoramic position, offering an enchanting view of the city, which gradually illuminates with evening lights.

Rosignano Monferrato

Not far from Casale Monferrato, Rosignano is an enchanting village and an unmissable destination for wine cellar enthusiasts. Even just strolling through Rosignano's streets and admiring the landscape from panoramic points provides a special emotion, especially at sunset. The city offers numerous historical and cultural attractions, including the splendid Castle of Uviglie, built during the 12th century and located a short distance from the village. But Rosignano boasts two castles - the other is the Castle of Mellana, built during the 20th century. Another fascinating point of interest is the majestic civic tower in the heart of the village, while we warmly recommend visiting the churches of San Vittore, Madonna delle Grazie, and Sant'Antonio.

Cella Monte

The picturesque village of Cella Monte, awarded the prestigious title of "Most Beautiful Village in Italy," is located a few kilometers from Rosignano and is surrounded by lush vegetation and green hills. The Coppi district is undoubtedly the most fascinating part of this tiny town, with its charming tuff stone houses and characteristic exposed walls that evoke Croatian atmospheres. Cella Monte is a wonderfully maintained and well-preserved village, where every corner is adorned with colorful flowers that spread fragrance in the air. Particularly, the month of May offers the ideal occasion to visit the village during the "Le Colline sono in fiore" (The Hills are in Bloom) event, during which inhabitants adorn the village's main street with splendid flowers and compete to create the most beautiful and colorful decorations. Food and wine enthusiasts, instead, will find pleasure in participating in the "Regional White Truffle Festival of Valle Ghenza" held the first weekend of November.

Cocconato

The village of Cocconato, located in the northwest part of the province of Asti, is an enchanting town that rises majestically on the hill overlooking the valleys of lower Monferrato Astigiano. The particular conformation of the territory, evidenced by the presence of olive trees, palms, and a variety of flowers, earned Cocconato the nickname "Riviera del Monferrato" already in the 19th century. This village has been rightfully included in the prestigious list of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages and, among Monferrato's localities, Cocconato stands out for its picturesque narrow streets, cobblestone staircases, and breathtaking glimpses of the hilly landscape. Cocconato has always dedicated great attention to agriculture, commerce, and catering, and today has transformed into a vital center where modern wine and livestock companies, artisan workshops, and renowned enterprises operating in sectors like fashion harmoniously coexist.

Tagliolo Monferrato

Tagliolo Monferrato is a small but enchanting village, whose beating heart is undoubtedly the magnificent castle. This symbol of a glorious past, perfectly preserved, transports every visitor into a fairy-tale atmosphere, steeped in ancient chivalrous legends. Tagliolo, once an important feudal center, is immersed in the suggestive Capanne di Marcarolo park, which gives the village a magical and fascinating aura. The best seasons to visit Tagliolo Monferrato are summer and autumn. During this period, an excursion in the area transforms into an authentic immersion in an extraordinary natural landscape, characterized by extensive vineyards stretching to the horizon. A walk among the vine rows provides a unique visual and olfactory experience, with colors and scents that warm the heart. The ideal itinerary culminates in a pleasant tasting in the castle's cellars, where you can appreciate the precious wines produced in this land rich in history and tradition.

Ozzano Monferrato

Ozzano Monferrato is one of the most beautiful villages of Monferrato, earning the Orange Flag from the Touring Club, a recognition that underlines its extraordinary beauty and authenticity. The peculiarity that makes Ozzano famous is its connection with the Infernot, small ancient cellars carved in stone, used in the past and some still today, to carefully preserve precious local wines. It's possible to book guided tours to discover these hidden treasures and delight in tastings of locally produced wines. This enchanting village develops with its historic center perched on the hill, dominated by the majestic presence of the church and castle. Its strategic position between the plain and the gentle Monferrato hills covered with vineyards offers the opportunity to explore the surrounding territory through pleasant walks on foot or by bicycle. The walks lead to breathtaking panoramas over the green hills, enriched by the suggestive 19th-century gardens of Villa Barbano and the Castle. Although these gardens are privately owned, during guided tours of the village they are opened to the public to allow everyone to enjoy their beauty and the breathtaking panorama over the surrounding hills.

Vignale

Vignale Monferrato, an enchanting village situated on a hilltop, rises almost perfectly at the center of an imaginary triangle between Casale Monferrato, Alessandria, and Asti. This strategic position surrounds it with other jewels, like the small pearls of Camagna, Frassinello, and Altavilla. The village streets interweave harmoniously, following the gentle ups and downs of the territory. The origins of Vignale Monferrato date back to the Middle Ages, when it was part of the Marchesato of the Aleramici of Monferrato. Its hilly position led to the construction of a castle, and it later passed to the Paleologi dynasties, who expanded the village and built the complex of the Servants of Mary in the 15th century, surrounding it with imposing walls. The municipality of Vignale Monferrato boasts numerous ancient buildings, many of which are churches, testimony to its historical past.
As with the entire Monferrato region, viticulture is of primary importance in Vignale as well, and the wines produced in the province stand out for their originality and quality. Viticultural activity is an essential part of the village's culture and economy, and visitors can taste local delicacies during food and wine tours.

Montemagno

Montemagno, an enchanted village in the heart of Asti, has a thousand-year history that makes it a place of great charm and unique identity. This characteristic municipality, founded around the year 1000, is distinguished by its twelve alleys, each marked with Roman numerals, giving the small town a suggestive and intimate atmosphere. Since ancient times, Montemagno was equipped with defensive walls that protected the population from enemy incursions. Even today, the remains of these walls are preserved impeccably, witnesses to the village's long and rich history. One of the pearls not to be missed during a visit to Montemagno is the Casa sul Portone, a structure dating back to the 13th century. Its imposing arch once housed a gate that defended the village's borders from potential enemies. Beyond the Casa sul Portone, the path leads to the suggestive Castle of Montemagno, a medieval fortress visible from every corner of the municipality and visitable on special occasions.

Grazzano Badoglio

Not far from Moncalvo, in the direction of Lower Monferrato Casalese, lies the suggestive village of Grazzano Badoglio. Its "Badoglio" appellation was given in honor of General and Prime Minister Pietro Badoglio, a native of the place, and his birthplace is visitable to better know this historical figure. However, what makes Grazzano Badoglio truly fascinating is another monument of great historical importance: the Aleramica Abbey. Although much of the original structure has been lost, some precious testimonies resist time. Among these, the Romanesque bell tower, the beautifully maintained cloister that offers a suggestive panoramic view of the surrounding territory, and the portico stand out, recalling the abbey's ancient majesty. Besides the abbey, another place of great interest is the Church of Saints Vittore and Corona, built in the 16th century to replace the abbey's original church.

Castagnole Lanze

In 2022, the village of Castagnole delle Lanze was officially welcomed into the prestigious Association of "Italy's Most Beautiful Villages" after being awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club. Castagnole delle Lanze is a small ancient village, permeated with history and culture, that offers breathtaking panoramas and high-quality tourist hospitality. Among flourishing vineyards, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings immersed in greenery, you breathe a unique and authentic atmosphere. Ancient traditions resist the passage of time and generations, enriching the village's life and offering guests an authentic experience. The oldest part of the inhabited center rises in the hilly area, where most of the historic buildings are concentrated, each bearing stories and secrets lost in the memory of centuries. During the 20th century, the village expanded with the arrival of wine, industrial, and commercial productive activities, giving life to a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity.

Costigliole d'Asti

Costigliole d'Asti represents a fascinating crossroads between Monferrato and the Langhe, in the wonderful scenery of southern Piedmont. The Castle of Costigliole d'Asti is one of the main symbols of Piedmontese tourism, linked to the events of the beautiful Countess of Castiglione, Virginia Oldoini, one of the most fascinating women of her time. The history of Costigliole d'Asti is closely intertwined with that of its castle. Although it's not possible to date the first fortifications, centuries of history and numerous restoration interventions have given the manor its current appearance. But that's not all: the Rocca is another fascinating settlement, which still today preserves its medieval development and offers enchanting panoramic glimpses through alleys, local nobility palaces, staircases, and small squares.

Nizza Monferrato

Nizza Monferrato, located at the center of Monferrato and the Belbo Valley, was awarded the prestigious recognition of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, thanks to its wine landscapes that include the suggestive village, gentle hills covered with vineyards, and architectural elements of structures linked to the production of wines, famous worldwide, which harmonize perfectly with each other. Among the enchanting hills emerges the village of Nizza Monferrato, whose oldest nucleus assumes a curious triangular shape. The historic center is a fascinating interweaving of elegant palaces, narrow streets, and squares with a typically medieval appearance, which exude history and tradition. Just outside the center, a territory opens up that is rich not only from a food and wine perspective, but also for the immersive tourist experiences it offers, such as nature excursions and vineyard tastings.