Moncalvo, Italy’s Smallest City with a Big Soul
Moncalvo, known as the smallest city in Italy, lies in the heart of the Monferrato hills, today a UNESCO World Heritage site for its vineyards and landscapes. Despite its size, Moncalvo holds a surprisingly rich history and a vibrant cultural life.
In the Middle Ages, it was a strategic stronghold disputed by the Gonzaga, the Savoy, and the Marquises of Monferrato. This legacy is still visible in its noble palaces and churches, where masterpieces by the painter Guglielmo Caccia, known as “Il Moncalvo”, can be admired.
The town is also famous for truffles and fine food: Moncalvo hosts one of Italy’s oldest fairs dedicated to the prized white truffle, attracting gourmets from all over the world. Equally renowned is its Piedmontese beef, considered among the finest in Italy.
Beyond gastronomy, Moncalvo offers a lively cultural calendar: music festivals, theater performances, and art events that keep the town buzzing all year round. Strolling through its narrow streets means experiencing history, art, and the authentic spirit of Piedmont.
Casale Monferrato: the Heart of Monferrato between History and Tradition
Located along the banks of the River Po, Casale Monferrato is the main center of the Monferrato area, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its unique vineyard landscapes. Known as the “capital of Monferrato,” the city combines a rich historical heritage with a lively cultural scene.
Walking through the old town, visitors can admire remarkable landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Sant’Evasio with its Romanesque-Gothic façade, the magnificent Synagogue – one of the most beautiful in Europe – and the Paleologi Castle, now home to exhibitions and events.
Casale is also a land of flavors: from the renowned wines of Monferrato, such as Grignolino and Barbera, to traditional sweets like krumiri biscuits, the city’s food and wine culture has always been a part of its identity.
Surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes, Casale Monferrato is an ideal destination for those seeking history, art, nature, and fine cuisine. A hidden gem of Piedmont waiting to be discovered.
Mombello Monferrato, the Village of a Hundred Hills
Mombello Monferrato is a charming village nestled in the rolling hills of the Lower Monferrato, famous for its endless panoramas: from its highest point, the view stretches across vineyards, bell towers, and castles all the way to the Alps.
Once divided into several hamlets and castles, it still preserves a scattered, timeless charm. Among the historic centers, Casalino and Zenevreto stand out, where time seems to stand still. Hidden among the fields is the evocative Romanesque church of San Michele, a small medieval jewel that reflects the deep spiritual roots of the area.
Mombello is also known for its bright green “Big Bench”, part of the international Big Bench Community Project, which attracts visitors eager to take photos with breathtaking views over the UNESCO hills.
Here, nature and history intertwine with rural traditions: festivals, scenic walks, and fine wines make Mombello Monferrato an ideal destination for those seeking authenticity off the beaten track.
Cerrina Monferrato, the Land of Seven Hamlets
Cerrina Monferrato is a unique village in the heart of Piedmont, often called the “village of seven hamlets” because its territory is scattered across multiple historic nuclei, each with its own church, traditions, and character. This fragmented identity makes it one of the most distinctive municipalities in the Monferrato area.
The village is surrounded by rolling vineyards that produce excellent Barbera del Monferrato, but what truly fascinates visitors are its hidden corners: small chapels on hilltops, panoramic roads winding through woods, and the atmosphere of an authentic rural community.
Cerrina is also home to one of the most ancient fairs dedicated to Saint Louis, blending devotion, folklore, and local food. Its dispersed layout, together with centuries-old traditions, offers a rare glimpse into how Monferrato’s villages grew organically, tied closely to the land and to farming life.
Asti, Where History Meets Wine
Asti, the capital of Monferrato, is a city where medieval towers, Gothic churches, and elegant palaces blend with the lively spirit of markets, festivals, and wine culture. Known worldwide for Asti Spumante and Barbera d’Asti, it has been a wine capital for centuries, thanks to fertile hills and ancient expertise.
One of the city’s most fascinating features is its nickname “the city of a hundred towers”: during the Middle Ages, noble families competed by building tall brick towers, symbols of power and prestige. Many still rise proudly above the historic center, giving Asti a distinctive skyline.
Asti is also famous for the Palio di Asti, the oldest horse race in Italy, dating back to 1275. Unlike Siena, the race takes place right in the city streets, with colorful medieval parades and strong ties to neighborhood pride.
Between its wines, traditions, and timeless architecture, Asti remains one of Piedmont’s most authentic cultural treasures.
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