Discover Cocconato: History, Palio and Wine

Cocconato combines historic architecture, a hilly landscape shaped by vineyards, and festivals with their own local character. This gives you several travel themes to explore: local history, ecclesiastical architecture, gastronomy and destinations in the wider surrounding region.

Historic Centre and Architecture

The historic centre of Cocconato is one of the best-preserved and restored historic centres in the Astigiano area. The Palazzo Comunale is a particularly tangible testimony to its architectural history. It was probably built in the 15th century as a southern extension of the castle of the Radicati counts.

The Chiesa della Madonna della Neve – the Pieve – stands on a hill that is now predominantly planted with vineyards. Here, sacred architecture and the wine-growing landscape are directly connected: the church is associated with a hill location that is shaped by viticulture at the same time. In Cocconato, cultural traces and a rural character therefore come together within a closely connected thematic setting.

Palio, Gastronomy and Wine

During the Palio degli Asini, the donkeys are not ridden. They are encouraged and led by two members of the respective neighbourhood.

Since 2002, the evening before the Palio degli Asini, the “Banchetto de vivande de la corte” has been held in the Cortile del Collegio.

In September, the gastronomic and oenological event “Cocco Wine” transforms the historic centre of Cocconato into a large tasting area for local wines and gastronomic products. This gives your travel planning a clear seasonal connection to wine and regional food culture, while the Palio provides a distinct cultural occasion.

Castles, Museums and Parks in the Surrounding Area

Castello di Piea and Castello di Gabiano are castles in the vicinity of Cocconato. Both destinations are therefore part of the wider range of excursions around the town.

The wider area around Cocconato also includes two museums: Museo Clizia - Palazzo Luigi Einaudi and Museo del Tessile. They expand the range of regional destinations with museum-related themes and appeal to travellers who, alongside local history, would also like to include collections and cultural institutions in their plans.

Also in the wider surrounding area is the Arco Charles Emmanuel I - Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy, a natural arch. The Parco Fluviale del Bricel, Parco di Via Togliatti and Parco del Mauriziano are parks in this wider regional area. The different classifications – castle, museum, natural arch and park – help you plan excursions according to separate interests without grouping the destinations together as a single attraction.

Keep Routes and Elevation in Mind

A very steep climb leads from the site of the Chiesa di San Sebastiano to the village of Cocconato. If you include this climb in your daily itinerary, the significant incline is a concrete feature of the route. For a relaxed exploration, you should therefore consider the paths between individual stops not only according to their themes, but also according to their terrain.

For further destinations on your trip to Italy, you can also discover Castagnole Monferrato, Cortazzone, Camerano Casasco, Refrancore, Corsione, Tigliole, Belveglio and Cornalea.

For the higher-level travel overview: Asti.