Roero is a historic territory of Piedmont located in the northeastern part of the province of Cuneo. This area is characterized by rolling hills, breathtaking landscapes and enchanting vineyards. It is an area rich in history, culture and local traditions that falls, together with Langhe and Monferrato, on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Its rolling hills are rich in vineyards and olive groves, where some of Italy’s best wines are produced. In addition, many typical products of Piedmontese cuisine, such as cheeses, hazelnuts and truffles, can be found here. The local products are excellent and provide an excellent opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of Piedmontese cuisine.
Roero also offers many outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking among the vineyards and hills, visits to medieval castles and Romanesque churches in the area.
Among its main attractions are the Castle of Guarene, the Castle of Monticello d’Alba and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Montà . In addition, numerous cultural and food and wine events take place every year.
The experience in the Roero is truly unique: here you can immerse yourself in unspoiled nature, savor local products and learn about the culture and traditions of the region. You can also visit the many wineries and taste the fine red and white wines produced in the area. In short, an unmissable opportunity to spend an unforgettable vacation!
The villages in the Roero, authentic jewels
The villages of the Roero are a real tourist attraction; they are many and all very picturesque, each with its own history and traditions.
Among the most characteristic and best known is Govone, located on the border with the province of Asti, made famous for its beautiful and majestic castle and its evocative Christmas events. During the holidays, the village streets and the castle host an event that is nothing short of magical. In fact, it seems that Govone hosts the real Santa Claus village in Italy.
One of the most popular villages for tourists and famous for its many places of historical interest is Montà , in the heart of the Roero, home to the Rocche del Roero Ecomuseum, which manages the entire trail network. The most characteristic feature of the village are certainly the Rocche, real canyons that cut through the land in an 11-kilometer-long wound from Pocapaglia to Cisterna d’Asti.
Vezza d’Alba, an equally interesting thousand-year-old village to visit is known for the remains of the castle, inhabited by the Roero family until the 17th century. Here you can admire the lovely Baroque church of San Bernardino and two other religious buildings of interest: the Parish Church of San Martino and the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Boschi.
Other villages worth visiting are; Bra, Canale, Ceresole d’Alba, Magliano Alfieri, Priocca, Monteu Roero, Castagnito and Castellinaldo. Each of these has its own history and traditions to discover, such as the village festivals held throughout the year.
All of these villages offer an unforgettable experience, rich in history and natural beauty.
Events and festivals in the Roero
Roero is a region rich in events and festivals that offer visitors the opportunity to discover local traditions. Every year, in spring and summer, many festivities take place, characterized by musical and theatrical performances, painting exhibitions, themed dinners, conferences and tastings of the main performers: truffles and Roero wines.
Among the most important events are the Sagra del Roero DOCG in Santo Stefano Roero, the Raduno Nazionale dei Trifulau e dei Cani da tartufo in Canale, the Fiera del tartufo e dei vini del Roero in Vezza d’Alba and the Sagra della Nocciola in Montaldo Roero. In addition, during the summer, some towns in the Roero organize evenings with live music, theater performances and craft markets.
If you are looking for a fun and original way to spend your vacation, don’t hesitate to visit the Roero! Here you will find a variety of events and festivals that will help you discover local traditions and savor the authentic flavors of the area.
Roero Gastronomy and Wines
Roero is a region that offers a wide variety of typical products, including wines and traditional recipes. Roero wines are appreciated worldwide for their excellent quality. Wine production is mainly concentrated in the Canale area, where vineyards spread over hilly terrain and gentle slopes. Among the area’s most famous wines is Roero Arneis DOCG, a fresh and aromatic white with hints of apple, wild flowers and almond.
In addition to wines, Roero is a region rich in high quality food products, especially fruit and vegetables. Among the best-known products are: strawberries, symbolic especially of the municipalities of Baldissero d’Alba and Sommariva Perno; peaches from Canale; Madernassa pear, named after a hamlet of Vezza d’Alba; madonna chestnuts, prized for their earliness of ripening; and beef heart tomatoes.
As in the Langhe, the Roero also harvests mushrooms and white truffles of exceptional quality, which go to enrich sumptuous dishes such as traditional tajarin.
Among the Slow Food Presidia typical of the Roero is the Tinca di Ceresole. An ancient lean fish typical of the area.
What can we say, Roero is a region rich in flavors and fragrances, thanks to its fine wines, typical products and traditional recipes. A trip to this land is an unforgettable experience.
Castles in the Roero
Roero is a tourist destination full of attractions to discover that boasts a long feudal history. Among its many villages, there are numerous castles to be found in this area.
Among the most interesting castles are:
– The Roero Castle in Monticello d’Alba, one of the most impressive and best-preserved medieval buildings in Piedmont. It is a fortification developed on three floors, particularly interesting for its architectural presence since on the outside one can see three towers, each with a different plan and size: a square tower, a round one, and the last one octagonal.
– The Castle of Magliano Alfieri, former home of the counts of Magliano and summer residence of Asti poet Vittorio Alfieri. Its interior houses the Museo dei Gessi and the Teatro del Paesaggio.
– The Royal Castle of Govone, one of the residences of the royal house of Savoy. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the other Royal Residences of Piedmont;
– The Castle of Cisterna d’Asti, inside which is the Museum of Arts and Crafts of the past.
– The Castle of Monteu Roero, a pearl of the Roero that can be visited at some specific events during the year and hosts art exhibitions, conferences and other events. According to legend, the fortress is said to have been home to the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Roero offers numerous opportunities, such as the trail leading to Mount Bricco or the one leading to the summit of Mount Fausior. In addition, there is no shortage of food and wine itineraries to savor the area’s typical products.
Among the activities not to be missed is definitely the visit to the wineries, where you can taste the typical wines of Roero accompanied by local gastronomic products. In addition, the area is crisscrossed by numerous hiking and biking trails, which offer the chance to discover hidden corners and breathtaking views.
In short, the Roero is a multifaceted territory, capable of satisfying every kind of interest and curiosity.