Monferrato is a region of Piedmont that deserves to be visited at least once in life. And those who want to find a representative destination, which welcomes all the beauties and characteristics of the place, can not fail to take into account Rosignano Monferrato, just minutes from Casale Monferrato and about an hour from Milan, Turin and Genoa.
The village is ideal to immerse yourself in nature and history, breathing a climate almost fairy-tale between a glass of wine and the other among the various wineries in the area. There are so many things to do and see, that’s why the list below can be useful:
The Infernot UNESCO heritage
The Monferrato infernots are well known: they are special underground cellars carved in stone where wine is stored. Each infernot has a unique structure and has its own decorations, so that they are all part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
In Rosignano, in particular, there are 70 infernot, mostly private property but accessible during the guided tours organized in the village.
The Big Bench Red Grignolino
Just outside the village of Rosignano is the Big Bench n.41, called “Red Grignolino” in tribute to the typical wine of this area. To reach it, just cross the path that starts from the church of Madonna delle Grazie. Once you arrive, from the top of the bench you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view, which extends to the Alps and the Apennines.
Castle of Rosignano, Castle Mellana and Castle of Uviglie
The municipality of Rosignano Monferrato has 3 castles that are worth visiting. The first is the Castle of Rosignano, which rises on top of the fortress. Originally from the 14th century, it is said that a long series of underground tunnels started here to allow escape from the fortified town. Today the castle is privately owned, so it can only be seen from the outside.
Continue with the 20th century Castle Mellana. Its appearance is familiar, because it takes the architectural motifs of the Castle of the Medieval Village at Valentino in Turin. The building is the ideal location for a stay in the heart of Monferrato, surrounded by hills and a beautiful rose garden.
Finally, here is the Castle of Uviglie, built between 1239 and 1271 on a hill not far from the town. Inside you can admire beautiful frescoed rooms, historic cellars and a beautiful secular park.
Open air museums
Walking through Rosignano Monferrato, the eye focuses on agricultural tools and paintings placed on easels. They are all part of two open-air exhibitions, “The city of wine”, the peasant museum spread with tools and equipment that tell the agricultural tradition and local winemaking.
The paintings, instead, are reproductions of the works of Angelo Morbelli, father of divisionism that, in Rosignano, bought what later became his summer residence.
Excursions among vineyards and sunflowers
The village of Rosignano Monferrato is the perfect place to walk, trekking and hiking in the hills that, especially in summer, turn yellow due to the massive presence of sunflowers.
But the village is beautiful all year round, especially in autumn, when the harvest begins: the vineyards are colored red and orange, the landscape becomes multicoloured and it is exciting to participate in sunset tastings.
The Sanctuary of Vicoforte
A symbol of Rosignano Monferrato is the Sanctuary of Vicoforte, dedicated to the Nativity of Mary and main hub of spirituality. Its realization is rotated around the sacred image of the Madonna of the Vico pylon, painted on a country pylon and depicting the Madonna with the Child in her lap.
To reach the Vicoforte Sanctuary you have to climb about 60 meters and, once arrived, you can admire a real masterpiece of Piedmontese Baroque. Step by step, you will discover curiosities and historical news about the sanctuary, built at the end of the 16th century with the intention to house the tombs of the Savoy. From the top, you can admire the view that extends over the Langhe and the Alps.
Typical dishes and good wine
Obviously, as well as the rest of Piedmont, Rosignano Monferrato is famous for its food and wine tradition. There are many peculiarities of the area that can delight the palate, first of all the fragrant white truffle from Valle Ghenza.
But not only, because it is impossible to resist also friciulin, green meatballs widespread in many areas of the Monferrato, the typical peperonata piemontese and veal tonnato. Recommended, then, a taste of the bagnet verd d’arsgnang, the green bagnet of Rosignano, made with parsley, garlic, tomato preserves, oil and wine vinegar.
The whole, must be accompanied by a nice glass of red wine, to choose from Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese, Barbera del Monferrato, Barbera del Monferrato Superiore, Barbera d’Asti and Monferrato DOC Rosso. To be considered, then, also Monferrato Bianco, Dolcetto, Freisa, Nebbiolo, Monferrato Casalese Cortese, Chiaretto, Piemonte DOC Bonarda, Albarossa, Chardonnay and Spumanti of various kinds.
Copertina: Unsplash
