Roccaverano: Discover the Tower, Frescoes, and Cheese-Making Tradition

Roccaverano combines a medieval watchtower, an ancient parish church, traditionally made goat cheese, and long-standing events.

Torre di Vengore and San Giovanni Battista

Torre di Vengore is a square watchtower dating from the 13th century. It was used to observe the Bormida di Spigno valley as well as the areas of Ponzone and Acquese.

Following its restoration, the castle tower allows visitors to climb to a wooden viewing platform at the level of the first floor. From there, you can look out over the church and square through the bifora windows.

Another historical landmark is the ancient parish church of San Giovanni Battista in Roccaverano. It was built between the 13th and 14th centuries and has a single-nave layout with four bays, as well as a raised chancel. The construction period and the execution of the frescoes thus represent two chronologically separate layers of the same church. Inside, it preserves an extensive cycle of frescoes, executed after 1481 and attributed to an anonymous master.

Roccaverano DOP and Long-Standing Culinary Traditions

The culinary side of the town is represented by Roccaverano DOP. This is a soft cheese made from 100 percent goat's milk and produced artisanally in Roccaverano.

The Sagra del Polentone di Roccaverano takes place on the first Sunday in June. It is a long-standing folk tradition associated with the preparation of polenta in the Bormida Valley.

At the festival, polenta is served with meat sauce, pure pork sausage, and the indispensable Robiola DOP.

The Mostra Caprina takes place on the first Sunday in September and is a traditional event in Roccaverano. At this goat show, goats belonging to local breeders are exhibited. The two dates fall in different months and can be considered separately when planning the year. After the show, the event continues with food tastings and the distribution of local products and typical dishes.

Castles, Museums, and Landscapes in the Surrounding Area

There are other cultural destinations in the area around Roccaverano. Castello di Bubbio is a castle in the vicinity of Roccaverano. Also located nearby is Casa Natale di Cesare Pavese, a museum. In the wider regional area around Roccaverano, there are also Castello dei Paleologi, a castle, and the Aecheological Civic Museum, a museum.

Bric Cupazzolo is a hill in the vicinity of Roccaverano. Monte Beigua is a mountain in the wider regional area around Roccaverano. The wider regional area around Roccaverano also includes Terme di Acqui Terme and Parco del Castello; both are parks.

When planning your trip, the geographical distinction is helpful: Castello di Bubbio, Casa Natale di Cesare Pavese, and Bric Cupazzolo are in the vicinity of Roccaverano; the other destinations are in the wider regional area.

If you would like to include other places in your travel plans, also discover Serravalle, Pasquana, Rocca D'arazzo, Viarigi, San Marzanotto, San Marzano Oliveto, Aramengo and Motta Di Costigliole.

For the overarching travel overview: Asti.