Castelnuovo Belbo: Belbo Riverbank, Culture and Local Specialties

Castelnuovo Belbo combines the Belbo stream with local history, connections to wine and regional specialties. A section of the route near Castelnuovo Belbo runs along the left bank of the Belbo stream on a path closed to motorized traffic. The cycling tour “Dal torrente Belbo ai paesaggi delle colline UNESCO” passes through Castelnuovo Belbo, Bruno and Mombaruzzo. Thus, the landscape extends from the stream bank to the hills and beyond the town area.

Museum and Local History

The Museo Francesco Cirio is dedicated to Francesco Cirio, who is considered a pioneer of the canning industry. The museum is located on the second floor of the town hall and can be reached by stairs or elevator.

In Via Romita, the visible remains of the walls of the former castle can be found. The exterior of the Chiesa della Regina Angelorum o San Biagio features a terracotta apse topped with corbel arches on shaped brackets. Every year on May 31, the faithful gather at the Chiesa di Regina Angelorum to pray the rosary dedicated to the Madonna.

Belbo Bridge, Panchina del Nizza and bibliobotte

From the Belbo Bridge in the town center, signs point the way to the large bench known as the “Panchina del Nizza.” Its name is a tribute to the Barbera wine “Nizza DOCG,” whose designated production area includes Castelnuovo Belbo. Next to the large bench stands a barrique known as a “bibliobotte,” which serves as a free book exchange following the “take a book, bring a book” principle.

Stories, Play Equipment and Paths

The “I Pali delle Memorie” installation offers stories about people and the area via a QR code on the post. Parco Giochi Amico has play equipment that is also suitable for children with disabilities.

The 21st Camminata Enogastronomica followed an approximately 12 km route through the hills of Castelnuovo Belbo. The route alternated between unpaved and paved sections and included several refreshment points where typical local specialties could be sampled. The combination of the route and regional cuisine characterizes this event just as much as the changing surfaces.

Pacloche at the Fiera di San Biagio

The Fiera di San Biagio takes place every year on the first Sunday in February and includes a traditional lunch with Pacloche. Pacloche are a local gastronomic specialty consisting of particularly large agnolotti, served with mild seasoning or a flavorful sauce. For culinary orientation in Castelnuovo Belbo, this means that a specific specialty is associated with an annually recurring date.

More Places for Your Planning

For further travel planning, you can also visit Agliano, Penango, Scurzolengo, Cessole, San Matteo, Cioccaro, Castel Rocchero and Passerano.

To the higher-level travel overview: Asti.