From the Langa to Monferrato - Leg 2

The stage starts in Costigliole d’Asti, already present in the lists of the properties of the Mayor of Asti in 1041, on which dominates the ancient castle, one of the most imposing of the Asti area. The structure is square in plan, with 60 metres of side, a height of 25 metres and four corner towers (28 m high). The interior staircase is the work of Filippo Juvarra. It is fruit of the subsequent expansions of a first layout dating to 1041. In front of it, we find the Church of Our Lady of Loreto built in the 19th century on top of the remains of a Romanesque church first and Renaissance subsequently. Inside, we will find works by Michelangelo Pittatore.

Starting from Costigliole d’Asti, the route continues northwards at the same altitude and crosses the hamlet of Alliere and Cavalli to head towards the hamlet of Santa Margherita, where we can admire the homonymous church, crossing wooded areas which alternate vineyards and crops offering numerous panoramic views of the surrounding area.

We continue the itinerary, travelling the ridge to Castagnole Lanze crossing the hamlets of Sant’Anna, Annunziata and Mossione. Walking through these three hamlets all situated on the ridge gives scenic views of the Tanaro Valley. We reach Castagnole Lanze, important market and production site, famous for the numerous wineries and wine cellars and the distinctive historic centre. The town is known for being the contact point between the areas of Langhe and Monferrato. This distinction is reflected in the local wine production (Barbera d’Asti, Dolcetto d’Alba, Moscato d’Asti). The architectural testimonies include the parish Church of San Pietro, dating to the 17th century, the Church dei Battuti, the park of Rimembranza with the characteristic panoramic tower.

From Castagnole Lanze we can take Variant 2A. We continue the main stage to cross territories rich in vineyards, which show the strong wine-growing vocation of the area and arrive in the important centre of Coazzolo, from where we can take Variant 2B. Coazzolo is famous for the view that from its hill dominates the entire surrounding area. Important, from the historical point of view, is the presence of the castle, in the past home of Counts Cacherano. Not to miss, then, the little church decorated by the contemporary artist Tremlett and the Vigna dei Pastelli on the top of the hill.