Things to do in Langhe and Roero, Piedmont: The Best Castles

Castello di Guarene and its Gardens are open to visits from the public on Saturday and Sunday between 10.00 And 11.30Am, and from 3.00Pm until 5.30Pm, subject to booking in advance. All visits are led by a guide and are conducted in groups (minimum 4 people) - a visit lasts about 40 minutes.

Grinzane Cavour Castle stands in one of the most spectacular settings in the Langa, just 5 km from Alba. The imposing building, erected around a central tower dating back to the first half of the XI century, can be admired in all its original beauty following the restoration that began in 1960, in celebration of the first centenary of the Unification of Italy. The Castle now houses the "Cavour" Regional Enoteca, the first to be set up in Piedmont in 1967. This is a prestigious showcase for the very best Piedmontese wines and grappas, foremost amongst them being Barolo and Barbaresco. The wines undergo a strict selection process before being displayed and placed on sale along with leading local food products. Tastings possible.

The Castle rise on the left side of the Tanaro River in the Roero land, close to Monferrato and looking down on Langhe. Already known in the 989 years the actual building was renovated by the Conti Solaro. The building is surrounded by an English park and by a beautiful roof garden full of flower beds, fountains and trees. Here lived many royalties: Vittorio Amedeo III Re di Sardegna, Carlo Felice e Maria Cristina that contributed to make a gorgeous building rich in artistic works: frescoes in "chiaroscuro" from the painter Luigi Vacca, mythological decorations from Carlo Pagani and Andrea Piazza, wood decorations on ceilings and precious wood works on pavements and doors made by the sculptor Bonzanigo. Four rooms also keep precious chinese wallpapers, expression of fashion in that period. The Castle is part also of the Residenze Sabaude Piemontesi circuit.