Verduno between Castle History, Pelaverga and Views of the Langhe

Verduno brings together castle history, a sanctuary built around the birthplace of Blessed Sebastiano Valfrè, the local grape variety Verduno Pelaverga and Parco del Belvedere. If you would like to experience culture, wine and landscape together in one place, Verduno offers several concrete points of connection. The route of the Bar-to-Bar trail also places the town within the broader context of the Langhe.

Castle History from the Middle Ages to the 19th Century

Verduno Castle probably dates back to the 10th century. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Cerrato family began building the present-day castle. Later, part of it was rebuilt by Carlo Luigi Caisotti based on a design by the architect Juvarra. King Carlo Alberto of Savoy acquired the castle in 1838. These individual stages make the building an illustrative point of reference for anyone interested in the development of seats of power and regional history in Verduno.

The Sanctuary and the History of Pelaverga

At the birthplace of Blessed Sebastiano Valfrè, a chapel was built at the end of the 19th century and converted into a sanctuary in 1940. The sanctuary preserves the room from the birthplace where Sebastiano Valfrè was born; it has remained intact. According to tradition, Blessed Sebastiano Valfrè also brought the first vines of the Pelaverga grape variety to Verduno, giving rise to the renowned wine of this area.

Verduno Pelaverga: A Clearly Defined Wine Tradition

The first references to Pelaverga in Verduno can be found in municipal statutes dating from the end of the 15th century. From the 1970s onward, local producers gave new impetus to the cultivation of this distinctive grape variety. The production area of Verduno Pelaverga encompasses the entire municipality of Verduno as well as parts of the municipalities of La Morra and Roddi.

The wine also has a precise profile in terms of taste. Verduno Pelaverga has a delicate ruby-red colour with violet to cherry-red highlights. When drunk young, floral and fruity notes such as violet and cherry come to the fore. With moderate ageing, spicy notes of green and white pepper become more pronounced.

Panoramic Views from Parco del Belvedere

Parco del Belvedere in Verduno is a green viewing terrace with exceptional views over the Langa del Barolo. The view extends as far as the Alta Langa, including the towns of Serravalle Langhe and Roddino. The park also has a children's playground and benches. This makes it a place that combines views across the landscape with a straightforward, relaxed experience outdoors.

Verduno on the Bar-to-Bar Trail

The Bar-to-Bar trail is also known as Barbaresco–Barolo. It is a circular route divided into seven stages and runs along lightly trafficked roads, unpaved paths, forest tracks and farm lanes through a large part of the Langhe Roero area. The sixth stage leads from Monforte d’Alba to Verduno through the Barolo vineyards and past famous crus sought out by wine lovers around the world. When planning a journey along this trail, Verduno therefore marks the sixth stage amid the Barolo vineyards.

Discover More Places

Torresina, Borgo San Dalmazzo, Gaiola, Villafalletto, Montà, Ruà, Paroldo and Gallo

To the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.