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Roero, Piedmont: villages, unspoiled nature and unique wines to taste

Roero is a surprising land in Piedmont, separated from the Langhe by the Tanaro River. Less known but equally fascinating, the Roero welcomes you with wild hills, lush woods, historic vineyards and authentic villages.

You will discover places such as Canale, the agricultural heart of the area, and Pollenzo, home to the University of Gastronomic Sciences. Then there is Cherasco, famous for its snails, Bra, the birthplace of Slow Food, Govone, with its castle and Christmas atmosphere, and many other villages where time seems to move at a slower pace.

In this guide, I’ll take you on a journey to discover the Roero: what to see, where to go, which events to experience and which wines to taste. A still-authentic area waiting to be explored, perfect for those who love nature, good food and slow living.

romantic_road_langhe_roero_literary_inspirations

The villages of the Roero: which are the main ones?

Bra: between Baroque elegance and gastronomic revolutions

Bra is a historic town in the Roero that captivates visitors with its Baroque charm and its gastronomic soul. It is here that the Slow Food movement was born, changing the way people experience and think about food all over the world.

Must-see attractions include the Zizzola, the Church of Santa Chiara, Via Vittorio Emanuele and the lively Piazza Caduti per la Libertà.

Don’t miss the famous salsiccia di Bra and, if you visit in September during an even-numbered year, Cheese, the international event dedicated to artisan cheeses.

View of the Church of St. Clare

Pollenzo: the cradle of the University of Taste

A small village near Bra, Pollenzo is famous for the University of Gastronomic Sciences, founded by Carlo Petrini. It is also home to the Wine Bank, located in the cellars of the Castle of Carlo Alberto.

Stroll through its streets and immerse yourself in the culture of sustainable food and high-quality wine. A perfect destination for food and wine enthusiasts.

Le mura e le torri di Pollenzo

Canale: the capital of peaches and wine

Canale is the agricultural heart of the Roero. Famous for its vineyards and peach production (celebrated every summer with the Peach Fair), this town preserves a charming historic centre with the Baroque Church of San Giovanni, the medieval tower and the Malabaila Castle.

Visit on a Sunday, when the outdoor cafés bring the main street to life. And don’t miss a stop at the Enoteca del Roero or a taste of cheese from Bono Nella!

canale

Cherasco: snails, markets and historical heritage

Cherasco is one of the most elegant villages in the Roero. Its historic centre blends medieval charm with Piedmontese Baroque style. It is famous for two things: the Antique Market and the tradition of snail farming.

Here you can find the famous Cherasco snails, served in the town’s restaurants. Among its historical curiosities is also the armistice signed by Napoleon in 1796.

cherasco

Govone: The Castle and the Magic of Christmas

The village of Govone is crowned by a baroque castle that once served as the summer residence of King Carlo Alberto. Today, it’s open to visitors and hosts cultural events, but in December, the town transforms into the Magical Christmas Village, drawing thousands of visitors.
Surrounded by vineyards, wineries, and a fairytale atmosphere, Govone is a perfect stop for families and curious travelers alike.

Govone the castle

Guarene: Scenic Walks Through Vineyards and History

Guarene is a charming village spread across the hills, with an upper part dominated by its castle and several hamlets surrounded by cultivated landscapes. It’s perfect for a stroll along the Acino Trail, a 1.5-hour loop through vineyards and breathtaking scenery.
Don’t miss the Castle of Guarene (today a luxury hotel) and the historic churches in the center, such as San Michele and the Annunziata.

guarene_view

Magliano Alfieri: The Castle and the Culture of Plaster

Located between Alba and Asti, Magliano Alfieri is a small village that is home to a castle overlooking the hills. Inside, the Plaster Museum tells the story of the traditional construction techniques of Roero’s rural homes.
A peaceful village, perfect for a summer dinner or a cultural visit off the beaten path.

castello magliano alfieri

A reading invitation to explore some Roero-related topics in greater depth.

White Truffle of Alba Fair 2025: tradition, fragrance and flavor

Truffles and Trifles. A taste of this magical world!

Alba, what to see in one day – walking map and tips

Cycling vacation among Langhe, Roero and Monferrato

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