Roddi: Castle, Truffle Culture and the Langa Landscape

Roddi brings together medieval architecture, Piedmontese truffle culture and expansive landscapes within a compact area. The Castello di Roddi is a significant example of medieval fortress architecture: the three-storey main building is defined by two imposing towers. At the same time, Roddi’s historic centre forms part of the Langa del Barolo landscape, which has been protected by UNESCO since 2014.

Castle and historic town centre

A visit to the Castello di Roddi takes the form of a 45-minute guided tour. The historic kitchens inside the castle, dating from the 16th century, also deserve attention. The Pertinenza del Castello di Roddi – Cucina d'eccellenza is another part of the architectural history surrounding the castle. The rectangular building stands on very old walls that may date back to the walls of a ricetto.

The Ex Confraternita della Madonna del Rosario is a two-storey building that shapes the historic town centre. Its nave leans against the rock on which the Castello di Roddi stands. The Chiesa Parrocchiale di Maria Vergine Assunta provides a different architectural accent with its curved Baroque façade. On the Piazzetta del Municipio, the Piedmont region recognises the square as one of the most beautiful squares in Piedmont.

Truffles and regional cuisine

Roddi’s culinary offerings range from introductory sessions to practical cooking. The Analisi sensoriale del Tartufo is led by truffle judges and introduces visitors to the organoleptic, that is, perceptible through the senses, characteristics of the truffle. The Ricerca simulata del Tartufo is an outdoor activity during which you observe truffle hunting with a truffle dog and a Trifulao.

In the restored Pertinenza, a teaching kitchen provides mainly tourists and food enthusiasts with an introduction to the fundamentals of regional cuisine, particularly the cuisine centred around the Tartufo bianco d’Alba. Reservations for the Cucina d'eccellenza in the Pertinenza of the Castello di Roddi are arranged through the Ente Fiera di Alba. From October to December, the Corsi di cucina centred around the Tartufo Bianco d'Alba take place on Monday and Friday mornings during the fair. Also from October to December, the Pranzi della domenica at the Castello di Roddi offer menus centred around the Tartufo bianco d'Alba.

Wide views and a circular route

For a break amid the landscape, the Piazzetta Belvedere at the end of Via Sineo is an appealing option. On a clear day, the view stretches over gentle hills to the ranges of the Cottian and Graian Alps; Monviso lies in the foreground.

There is also a clearly defined connection to Roddi for route planning: Barolo Rosso is an approximately 53-kilometre circular route that climbs from Roddi into the Langa and continues from one town to the next.

You can find more destinations for planning your trip to Italy at Bene Vagienna, Diano D'alba, Alba, Casalgrasso, Isasca, Peveragno, Manta and Tre Stelle.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.