Calosso amid vineyards, history and green trails

Calosso is known for Piedmont’s vineyard landscapes, impressive evidence of local history and two hiking options with different profiles. Almost the entire municipal area lies within the zone with the highest level of protection in the UNESCO World Heritage site “The Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato”. This makes it a destination where viticulture, local history, sacred art and landscape experiences are closely intertwined.

Wine and regional tradition

The Fiera del Rapulè showcases a special connection between wine and local cuisine. During this event, Calosso offers a culinary tour featuring typical local dishes as well as DOC and DOCG wines from 25 producers belonging to the Associazione Crota ‘d Calos. The Fiera del Rapulè is associated with the third weekend in October. If you would like to incorporate regional specialities and viticulture directly into your trip, this event is one of the town’s highlights.

Castello and Parrocchiale di San Martino

Castello di Calosso comprises several construction phases dating back to before the year 1000. Its appearance is defined by a massive round tower with a corbel arch and fully preserved Ghibelline battlements. On visiting days as part of Castelli Aperti, the owners guide visitors through the historic hall, the chapel dedicated to Saint Alessandro Sauli, the underground rooms and the grounds of Castello di Calosso.

The Parrocchiale di San Martino was built in the final decades of the 17th century. Particularly striking is its tall façade, richly decorated with ornaments and featuring two superimposed sections, pilasters and a concluding pediment. Behind the altar is an intricately crafted wooden choir, probably dating from the early 18th century. Architecture enthusiasts will therefore find both a distinctly Baroque exterior and a remarkable interior furnishing detail here.

Crotin and the memories of Calosso

The Crotin of Calosso are old underground cellars dug into sandstone beneath buildings in the historic town centre. Free visits to five Crotin are offered on the first and third weekend of every month from April to September. These underground spaces thus add a distinctive architectural layer to the town’s above-ground history.

The Museo Memorie Di Futuro is a permanent installation featuring images and films dedicated to Calosso’s oral traditions and material memories. The films, produced by Andrea Icardi with original music by Giorgio Conte, explore wine, the grape harvest, the seasons of viticulture, the Fiera del Rapulè, traditional objects and the stories of Calosso residents. The interviews were conducted by Piercarlo Grimaldi and Enrico Ercole.

Two trails with different profiles

For a shorter hike, Sentiero Paludo 303 A is an easy route lasting about one hour. It crosses the Riserva Naturale del Paludo and runs alongside the small Oasi Perrone – Marchisio. A different time and distance profile is offered by stage 1A of the Percorso Essenze e Conoscenze in Calosso: it is 5.19 kilometres long, involves 45 metres of ascent and takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Further town pages for planning your own trip: Cerro Tanaro, Casalotto, Cortiglione, Casorzo, Cornalea, Pasquana, Montiglio Monferrato and Cellarengo.

For the wider travel overview: Asti.