Roero, things to do and see

Among the most well-known and frequented tourist areas in Piedmont is Roero. A historic and geographical region that reached its peak during the medieval era and today thrives mainly on tourism and renowned wine production.

Whether for a day trip, a relaxing weekend, or a full vacation of several days, Roero is a land with much to offer. Tours can be divided among history, nature, and local culinary specialties. Here's what you absolutely cannot miss if you are heading to the Roero region.

The Rocche are the result of a geological erosion phenomenon typical of the Roero area, lasting for over 250,000 years. These are true chasms carved by watercourses into the hillsides, leaving sandy walls and creating basins where water stagnates.

The beauty of these unique and characteristic canyons is particularly noticeable at sunset when the towering walls are colored with various reddish hues. This unique territory is crisscrossed by several pathways and trails, which is why it has become one of the largest and most characteristic open-air museums in the entire Bel Paese, the Ecomuseum of the Rocche. Eight municipalities, united by about 100 km of trails to explore on foot or by bike.

It's not only a natural beauty to admire, but also an opportunity for outdoor sports.

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On the municipal land of Castellinaldo d'Alba stands the so-called Water Tower, a huge cistern no longer in use that is located in a picturesque spot and has now become a massive work of art. Recently, the artist Saverio Todaro participated in a project for the redevelopment and regeneration of villages, repainting the tower a deep green and drawing the symbol of sharing on it.

A clear intention: to create a piece of art that is simple and accessible to all, a common good. Just like water which is the source of inspiration for the artwork itself.

As previously mentioned, the Roero region saw its most flourishing era during the medieval period, and as a testament to those centuries of splendor, several castles remain that are worth visiting. Most of them belonged to the family of the Counts of Roero, after whom this Piedmont subregion is named. One of the most famous castles is the one in Monticello d'Alba, which was the residence of the family for about 600 years and is still one of the best-preserved and most renowned ancient homes in Piedmont. The fortress boasts two towers and near the gardens lies a small lake that is fed by rainwater.

Inside the castle, you can still visit the armory which houses various armors that belonged to the family's soldiers and the painting room where different portraits of the Roero family members are kept.

Among the other castles worth visiting, we mention the castle of Govone (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Guarene - which was a summer residence of the family and now hosts a luxury hotel -, Magliano Alfieri, Cisterna d'Asti, and Monteu Roero, which according to legend, also hosted the Holy Roman Empire emperor Frederick Barbarossa.

What are the villages not to miss in Roero?

For those passing through the Roero area, a culinary stop (and perhaps more than one) is a must. What is the perfect menu for those visiting the area? An appetizer featuring typical cured meats, agnolotti del plin - so named for the typical pinch closure - filled with donkey meat, Fassona beef steak with white truffles or mushrooms, and to finish, the typical dessert: bonèt.

A pudding made from eggs, milk, cocoa, sugar, rum, and amaretti, covered in caramel.

The entire meal deserves to be paired with a locally produced wine: Roero Arneis, Nebbiolo d'Alba, Barbaresco, or Barolo.