Beekeeping Route

The path signs are completed by information panels to show the numberless relations between bees and local environment: from the vegetal species for which bees work as precious pollinators, to their own predators, and raiders of their sweet product.

In Roero, and in Rocche villages, beekeeping has been present for centuries, eased by local morphology, soils, climate, and rich flora (950 species has been surveyed). Rocche existing flora species and unique territory configuration have created a habitat which has proved to be perfect for beekeeping: the presence of acacias e chestnut trees allows for the production of top-quality honey.

The trail starts from the access to Diana valley – a wood staircase leads hikers to a wonderful poplar wood where a Ciabòt Calorio is located. A ciabòt is a typical Roero tiny rural building, and this one hosts an apiary-wall armoire, witnessing the historical tradition of Piedmont beekeeping. From this point, the trail stretches through Rio Canneto, where plenty of Roero Nebbiolo and Arneis vineyards grow. The path offers hikers a suggestive glimpse over typical Roero landscape – tidy rows of vineyards clung on hills.

Then, the trail runs by the fossil stone Vagiana ciabòt and Cà d’Aviè, an ancient house with a wall-apiary that hosts sixty-four “bee families” and that probably dates back to the 18th century. The trail ascends toward Montà village along an ancient Roman road that borders an ancient castle-fortress.

TRAIL AUDIO GUIDE: to make use of the audio guide with integrated gpx track, you can download the free app Izi.Travel on your smartphone and activate the geolocation: in this way an automatic narration will be activated in the points of interest telling stories and curiosities.
Audio guide pre-viewable also on browser by clicking here.