Montà among Rocche, Pilgrimage Routes and Truffle Trails

Montà combines a ruggedly shaped landscape with trails that bring nature, local traditions and history together in a direct way. The Rocche around the town are particularly characteristic: their labyrinthine form shapes the landscape, while dry vegetation with pine and holm oak trees can be found along the ridges. The gorges, by contrast, contain humid habitats.

Hiking trails through the landscape

The Sentiero Religioso follows the historic pilgrimage route from the center of Montà to the Sacro Monte dei Piloni and back. Along the way, it passes through the scenic Valle Diana and follows the Rio Canneto. Another way to explore the area is the Sentiero del Tartufo. This circular route, approximately 5 km long, runs along the shaded paths used by truffle hunters, through sandy vineyards and landscapes lined with Ciabòt.

The Sentiero S1 – Grande Sentiero del Roero also passes through Montà; on this trail, you can follow the signposted directions. The Sentiero del Castagno, on the other hand, is intended for experienced hikers and is rated EE. It leads to an artificial biotope, a water basin that serves as a refuge for various species of migratory birds. The different trail characteristics make it easier to tailor your choice to your own hiking experience and the type of landscape you wish to see.

Wine, honey and truffle traditions

The local food and wine culture is also part of the Montà experience. Visits and tastings are offered at the wineries of agricultural producers, where Roero DOCG wines are made. Visits and tastings can also take place at beekeeping farms, where acacia, chestnut and millefiori honey is produced.

The Sentiero del Tartufo also connects the landscape with the local truffle tradition. In Montà, visitors can take part in a simulated truffle hunt with local Trifolao. This places not only trails and viewpoints at the center of the experience, but also agricultural products and traditional activities passed down through the generations.

Traces of worship and history

The Santuario dei Piloni reveals a long religious development: the site was initially an ancient pre-Christian place of worship, into which Christian devotion was later integrated. A large fresco from 1936 depicting Benito Mussolini is considered one of the most significant surviving examples of Fascist iconography in Piedmont.

The Chiesa dei SS. Giacomo e Filippo Minore preserves two Roman-era marble faces on its late Romanesque façade, as well as remnants of 13th-century brick decoration. For a shorter outing, the Strada delle Masche leads from Montà’s town tower to a natural viewing balcony overlooking the surrounding hills.

When choosing a hotel in Montà, you can tailor the focus of your stay to these different interests: hiking trails and Rocche, wine, honey and truffle experiences, or the town’s historical heritage.

Discover more places

Valpone, Casa Fornace, Villa San Pietro, Bene Vagienna, Perno, Levice, Bagnasco, Ricca-San Rocco Cherasca

To the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.