Cocconato Station: Railway History, Trails and Culture in Monferrato

Between Railway Line and Hilly Landscape

The former Cocconato railway station was served by the Asti–Chivasso railway line until 2011. This line connects Asti and Chivasso through the hills of Monferrato. On the Basso Monferrato route, Cocconato Station is passed before continuing on to Montiglio Monferrato; Sant’Anna Robella station is also served. After descending through woodland and the valley floor, the Cammino Romanico Cocconato leads close to the former railway station. An alternative footpath of the Cammino Romanico Cocconato joins the Superga–Crea hiking trail.

Architecture Between Via Roma and Castle History

At the beginning of Via Roma stands the Church of the Santissima Trinità with a covered portico. The Torre di Cocconato was originally part of the castle of the Radicati counts and was later converted into a residential building; from there, the view extends to the Alps, the Ligurian Apennines and Milan. The Palazzo Comunale was built in the 15th century and is considered one of the rare Gothic public buildings in Piedmont. It probably originated as the southern extension of the castle of the Radicati counts. The parish church was built between 1670 and 1689, has eight side chapels and preserves, among other things, an altarpiece by Vitaliano Grassi from 1731, a polychrome marble high altar from 1724 with relics of the patron saints, and an organ built in 1860.

Market Hall, Forest Park and Historical Traces

The municipal market hall on Piazza Giordano in Cocconato is used for the fruit and vegetable market as well as for folkloric and sporting events. In the Parco Forestale dell’Alberone, native trees of the hills are presented with signs. The park is scheduled to be open for free visits between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. A former historic pharmacy in Cocconato preserves 18th-century furnishings and a sign from the early 20th century; today, the building is used for commercial activities.

Festivals and Culinary Local Character

The Pizzeria The Rocket is located at Via Stazione 9, 14023 Cocconato (AT). An old sign in Cocconato mentions salami, Robiola, truffles and good wine. Cocco…Wine takes place on the first weekend of September as a tasting event for wines from the region. The Banchetto de vivande de la corte has been held since 2002 on the evening before the Palio degli Asini and offers medieval-inspired dishes such as roast pork, wild boar with chickpeas, sweet wine and hypocras. The Palio degli Asini combines a historical procession featuring facts and people from Cocconato from the period between 1200 and 1400 with a donkey race, and traditionally takes place on the fourth Sunday in September.

A Set Date for Culture Enthusiasts

The Pieve Madonna della Neve is open free of charge to all interested visitors on September 6, 2026. When choosing accommodation, you can align the focus of your stay with the available themes: hiking trails and the former railway station, architectural history and churches, the market hall and park, or the scheduled event and tasting dates. This keeps your accommodation decision oriented around the places and times that shape your travel itinerary.

Other places:Gorra, Quarto, Costigliole Dʼasti, Cellarengo, Castelletto Molina, Villanova d'Asti, Montiglio Monferrato, Villa

To the overarching travel overview: Asti.