Celle Enomondo: Fortress History, Chapels and Trails

History and Sacred Sites

Celle Enomondo is characterised by a close combination of fortress history, churches and rural religious buildings. The former Castle of Celle Enomondo stands on the site of an old fortress, mentioned in 1041 as Castellum de Cellis. The parish church now stands on the former site of the former Castle of Celle Enomondo. Thus, the historic fortress and today’s parish church occupy the same former site.

Another focal point is the Chiesa della Confraternita di San Rocco. It dates from the 18th century and was designed in the Baroque style. The church contains an 18th-century wooden statue of Saint Roch. The Confraternita di San Rocco was established in the 17th century following a plague epidemic and was intended to protect the countryside from hail and severe weather. The church, statue and confraternity give this place several successive historical layers.

The sacred landscape of the rural municipality includes 18 small chapels, built between the 18th and 19th centuries. The Cappella dell'Immacolata Concezione is located beside the road. In Borgata Merlazza stands the single-nave Chiesa di San Vincenzo Ferreri from the 19th century; it is dedicated to San Vincenzo Ferrari. For visitors interested in culture, this creates a dense picture of small places of devotion and individual churches throughout the municipality.

Trails with Natural and Cultural Themes

The 18 km “Bric & bike” trail can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or by e-bike. Along the trail, visitors can discover restored votive pillars and chapels. This allows the same trail to be viewed from either a hiking or cycling perspective.

Stage 2 of the Via dei Santi follows the route from Celle Enomondo via San Pancrazio to San Carlo di Tigliole. It begins on Provincial Road 13A, reaches Celle Enomondo and then continues along Provincial Road 13 to the hamlet of Pianetti. The stage associated with Celle Enomondo is regarded as a connection between nature and history. Its related themes include wildlife oases, old villages and Romanesque churches.

Hemp Tradition and Festivals

Celle Enomondo’s hemp tradition includes the cultivation of hemp since the early years of the 19th century. The fibres were traditionally used to make, among other things, ropes, sacks, bed sheets, towels, tablecloths and clothing. The processing of hemp seeds is also part of this tradition: they are used to produce flour for bread and focaccia. The character of the place is thus reflected both in craft materials and in a culinary use.

The Festa di San Rocco took place in Celle Enomondo from 12 August 2023 to 16 August 2023 and from 14 August 2024 to 18 August 2024. The Festa della Canapa is associated with Celle Enomondo and the month of August.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

Cornalea, Cisterna D'asti, San Damiano D'asti, Revigliasco D'asti, Bubbio, Canelli, Azzano D'asti and Camerano Casasco

For the overarching travel overview: Asti.