From the Langa to Monferrato - Leg 1

The itinerary starts in the historic centre of Montegrosso d’Asti where you can admire the local peculiarities and above all the stunning hilly landscape of the Tiglione Valley, famous for the Barbera hills and the events and activities connected to it.

The Castle of Montegrosso (12th century) is easy to reach, and an example of how the local historical and wine culture merge and generate an attractive centre of even greater importance. The castle, imposing for the size and the presence of two watchtowers, is now home to a winery and its cellar. The municipality also offers several important food and wine events during the year such as the Barbera Fair in May, a predominantly local wine, and the truffle fair in November.

The route continues along the ridge, alternating cultivated areas and wooded areas before descending to the valley and climbing back up towards the town of Costigliole d’Asti. Along the way, we will cross the hills on the left of the Tiglione Valley and reach the hamlet of Vallumida, where we can admire the parish Church of San Defendente that preserves one of his relics. This church was enlarged in the early 20th century over the body of a pre-existing 17th century chapel. The next hamlet is Canova, in which we can visit the Sanctuary dedicated to S.V. delle Grazie.

We continue the itinerary along the ridge, admiring the surrounding landscape until we reach the Church of San Secondo, built in 1720 and restored in 1994, where we can take advantage of the rest area for a short break. We will resume our walk, continuing along the ridge, crossing small groups of houses and reach the hamlet of Bastia where we can take a short break near the Chapel of San Grato before arriving in the larger hamlet of Loreto.