Lu: Churches, Views and Trails in Monferrato

Churches and Art in Lu

Lu reveals its historical character particularly through its religious buildings. Santa Maria Nuova has a Latin-cross floor plan and three large naves. The church was built in the Romanesque-Gothic style around the middle of the 15th century on the site of the older parish church of San Pietro, which became the San Valerio crypt.

The history of the Chiesa di San Nazario dates back to the 12th century: it was built next to the castrum of Lu. The main altar, the balustrade and the marble holy-water stoups were created in 1724 by the sculptors Pelagatta and Buzzi from Viggiù. Details like these also make the church interior interesting for visitors who would like to take a closer look at handicrafts and historic furnishings.

The Chiesa di San Giacomo was probably built at the beginning of the 13th century near Lu’s fortification wall. Its artistic heyday came in the second half of the 18th century. At that time, the Baroque façade and the work “The Beheading of Saint James,” executed in 1777 by Giuseppe Torricelli from Lugano, were created.

The Museo d’arte sacra San Giacomo is located in the historic San Giacomo complex in Lu. The complex includes the church, the sacristy and the Casa della Reggenza.

The Chiesa di San Giovanni di Mediliano also takes visitors back to an earlier era. It was built during the Carolingian period in the valley of the Torrente Grana; the area is rich in Roman archaeological finds.

Viewpoints Between Hills and Plain

Lu has several viewpoints for taking in the landscape. The Suor Angela Vallese viewpoint is opposite Lu Town Hall. Big Bench No. 98 stands on Colle San Sebastiano and offers a 360-degree view from the hills across the plain to the mountains. The park around the tower located in Lu, which was built in the 15th century, is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Monferrato.

Scenic Road and Monferrato ByBike

A scenic road to Cuccaro begins in Lu at the intersection of Via Montalto and Via Marconi. For the Monferrato ByBike route, maps are available on Komoot and Google Maps, along with a GPX download.

Hazelnut Growing and Local Character

In the Lu area, hazelnut cultivation now covers more than 200 hectares. For your trip planning, this scale may be a point of interest if, in addition to architecture and landscapes, you are also interested in regional agriculture and local products.

When choosing accommodation in Lu, you can take your personal priorities into account: churches and the museum suit a culture-focused day plan, while viewpoints and the park around the tower offer opportunities to enjoy the landscape. The scenic road to Cuccaro and Monferrato ByBike open up further opportunities to explore Lu according to your own interests.

Other Places

Montecastello, Serralunga Di Crea, Sarezzano, Giarole, Murisengo, Carbonara Scrivia, Monticelli, Grognardo

To the higher-level travel overview: Alessandria.