Capriata d'Orba: Churches, Vineyards and Living Traditions

Between the Orba Valley, Vineyards and History

Capriata d'Orba lies in the Torrente Orba valley, in a landscape of agricultural land, vineyards and gentle hills. The municipality is one of the eleven municipalities within the Gavi DOCG designation. The Torrente Orba Nature Reserve also includes, among other areas, the municipality of Capriata d'Orba. For travellers, this means the landscape, winegrowing and local history can appeal to different interests.

Architecture and Historical Traces

The parish church of San Pietro e Paolo and Madonna del Rosario is an ancient Doric building with three naves and a Tuscan-style façade. It contains a polished black altar made of African marble, initially dedicated to the Virgin Mary and later to Madonna del Rosario. Inside the church, the Tuscan style of the façade is complemented by the altar's polished black marble.

The visible ruins of the Torre del Castel Vecchio are the remains of an early medieval fortification that was probably older than the settlement. A tall square tower with unusually thick walls has survived. The Oratorio della Santissima Annunziata is just a few steps from the Torre del Castel Vecchio.

The Casaccia di San Michele is considered the oldest in the village and already existed in 1494. In the lower part of the village stands a historic mill whose history can be traced back to 1186.

Walking, Sport and Festivals

The San Rocco Chapel, at the end of a tree-lined avenue, is a destination for evening walks. Tamburello remains a local sporting tradition that involves players and spectators alike.

The Trattorata takes place on the last Sunday in July in Parco dell'Allea. It includes an exhibition of historic tractors and ploughing demonstrations. The traditional Fiera Patronale di San Pietro takes place on the first Sunday in July. July therefore features two events with clearly distinct themes: agricultural technology and the San Pietro patronal festival.

A live nativity play is traditionally held in Capriata d'Orba on Christmas Eve. Around 200 costumed participants portray traditional occupations, many of which have since disappeared. Alongside the religious scene, the nativity play also brings the working world of the past to the forefront.

Wine, Cuisine and Further Interests

Sassaia offers wine tastings in Capriata d'Orba, either in the tasting room or in the vineyard. Registration for the tastings is required by email.

Capriata d'Orba is associated with the Festa delle lasagne con stubiaroi, held at the end of June. The La Marchesa golf course of Golf Club Villa Carolina is located on an estate covering more than 110 hectares.

When choosing a hotel in Capriata d'Orba, you can tailor the focus of your trip to the themes that come together here: architecture and a long history, evening walks, wine and local festivals, or sport.

Further destinations for planning your trip: Borgo San Martino, Ponzano Monferrato, Pasturana, Pietra Marazzi, Ovada, Prasco, Bandita and San Salvatore Monferrato.

For the overall travel overview: Alessandria.