Monticello d'Alba

Set in the beautiful Roero district of Piedmont, the village of Monticello d'Alba holds characteristic lanes, medieval allure, and a well-kept castle. There are about 3,340 residents among the hamlets that constitute Monticello d'Alba. The town has Roman origins, but exact history on it at that point and in the earlier Middle Ages is mostly unknown, though it was certainly a hamlet in the 900s when it belonged to the bishops of Asti. It was mentioned in the 12th century in the Codex Astensis, a set of medieval documents related to the City of Asti covering the period from 1065-1353. It was sacked in the 1100s, rebuilt and passed to the Malabaila family, who were ousted in a popular uprising led by the Roero family. For their efforts, the Bishop rewarded them with the territory. The Roero built the castle in 1376 and it has remained in that family ever since. You should defnitely visit it!

The Pieve di San Ponzio is the main church, dedicated to the patron saint, with Roman-era artifacts and frescoes from the 1100s.

There is an "Eco-Museum delle Rocche del Roero" -an open-air museum with paths that connect the various villages of the area. Of particular interest (and peculiarity) are "le rocche," gelogical erosion formations sort of like canyons. You can get an audio-guide and do the trails solo or get a guided hike. You can also do them on mountain bike.

In town, there is a good restaurant at the foot of the castle, along with a coffee bar, bakery supermarket. Outside of town are some excellent wineries, some in walking distance.

Monticello d'Alba is between Bra and Asti, and in striking distance of Turin and Alessandria.