Views on Monferrato

A tour through the Monferrato and Astigiano areas, on both banks of the Tanaro. A constant ribbon of asphalt immersed in the countryside with gentle hill climbs, dotted with medieval towers... as far as the eye can see!

A 360 degree route around Asti, into the heart of Monferrato, on winding roads and banks where it can be easy to get lost (please download the track), but it is also easy to be pleasantly surprised by unexpected sceneries and small “gems” nestled in the hills just outside the city.

Departure and arrival are in Asti: it is worth visiting the old town as well as the buildings, museums, churches and shops. From Baldichieri d'Asti we climb up to Cortazzone, Piea (with its impressive castle), Castelnuovo Don Bosco and Albugnano: we make a stop at the Abbey of Vezzolano to watch one of the most beautiful examples of Romanesque style in Piedmont.

After this “all bends” warm-up, we get back in the saddle to discover the beauty (and delicacies!) which Monferrato has to offer. Passing through Aramengo, we arrive at Cocconato d'Asti, another of the Borghi più Belli d’Italia (Italy’s most beautiful villages). Next, we find Montiglio Monferrato, the city of sundials.

Further on, a gastronomic pit stop in Moncalvo, “Italy’s smallest town", is a must. The route continues towards Calliano Monferrato, then on to Grana Monferrato, Montemagno and Castagnole Monferrato, key centres of Ruchè wine production. The hillside route ends in Quarto and Castello di Annone.

Once past the Tanaro river, we descend south towards Belveglio and Mombercelli. We make a stop in Nizza Monferrato for another food and wine treat in one of the iconic cities of Barbera wine. Other panoramic viewpoints can be found in Calamandrana and San Marzano Oliveto: the landscape changes with each season, from spring/summer green to golden, yellow and red shades in autumn.

In Mosca, Calosso and Costigliole d'Asti you can perceive a medieval atmosphere. From Agliano Terme, another village known for its Barbera wine production, we move on to the hill of Montegrosso d'Asti, ending up in the old town of Asti, in the central Piazza Campo del Palio.

Roberto Croci