Costigliole d’Asti: Castle, San Michele and Monferrato

Costigliole d’Asti combines the history of a castle with hill paths, viewpoints, and the wine and culinary traditions of Monferrato. The Castello di Costigliole d’Asti retains an original structure from the 14th century. Over time, the ancient fortress was transformed into an elegant aristocratic residence. This is where exploration of the town begins: at a building whose present form is closely linked to its long development.

Castle and narrated history

The section of Castello di Costigliole d’Asti owned by the municipality is the part of the castle open to visitors. The “Raccontami” route leads through its rooms. Along the tour, visitors can scan QR codes with their smartphones and listen to the history and anecdotes of the castle over the phone.

The “Arte Sacra” Museum is also located in a special architectural setting: it is housed in the church of the Confraternita di San Gerolamo in the Borgo della Rocca. In the immediate vicinity of Costigliole d’Asti are also Castello di Rorà, a castle, Casa Natale di Cesare Pavese, a museum, as well as Palazzo Malabaila o Malabayla and Palazzo Catena, each a palace.

San Michele: hills, views and paths

At 352 metres, San Michele is the highest hill in Costigliole d’Asti. The viewpoint there offers a 360-degree view across the hills of Monferrato and the Langhe to the Alpine chain. Here, the landscape is revealed not merely as a backdrop, but as a wide-ranging panorama that makes several regional landscapes visible together.

San Michele is also both a destination and a crossing point for paths and routes through the area of Costigliole d’Asti and connecting it with the surrounding towns. These paths and routes are suitable for walking and cycling. Those who do not want to organise their trip solely around sightseeing will therefore find a concrete starting point for exercise and experiencing the landscape in the same place.

Woods, parks and special excursions

La Casa del Trifulau enables visitors to take part directly in truffle hunting in a natural woodland area, together with a Trifulau and his dogs.

In the immediate vicinity of Costigliole d’Asti are Parco Biberach Ander Riss, Parco Monte Rainero and Parco Rio Crosio, each a park. In the wider regional surroundings of Costigliole d’Asti there is also Parco del Castello, likewise a park. The different geographical references help distinguish nearby destinations from a more broadly defined regional excursion.

Wine and culinary tradition

Barberando is a recurring event in Costigliole d’Asti dedicated to the wine culture and culinary tradition of Monferrato. In addition to its castle, museum, hills and paths, the town therefore also has a firmly established cultural connection to the region’s food and wine experiences. Depending on personal interests, sightseeing, walks, cycling tours, woodland activities, and wine and culinary themes can all be considered side by side when planning a trip.

Other places

Other places: Tonco, Fontanile, San Paolo Solbrito, Castel Boglione, Tigliole, Casalotto, Ferrere, Cossombrato

For the higher-level travel overview: Asti.