Canelli

Between Monferrato and the Langhe

Historic Canelli is famed for its wine cathedrals and the annual spectacular re-enactment of the siege of 1613.

Destinations

Local

Acqui Terme

Canelli

Monferrato Hills

Nizza Monferrato

Rochetta Tanero

Santo Stefano Belbo

Day trips

Bergamo

Genoa - old port

Lake Maggiore

Lake Orta

Mondovi

Portofino peninsula

Riviera of Palms

Turin

More information ?

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0039 0141 851 154

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Historic Canelli, famed for its 'wine cathedrals' and the annual spectacular re-enactment of the Siege of 1613, is the nearest town to Casa della Fontana, just ten minutes away.

Canelli sits in the valley of the River Belbo, right on the border between the Monferrato and Langhe wine producing districts. Canelli's prosperity dates from the 19th century and the growth of the Moscato D'Asti wine industry.

Apart from producing and shipping huge quantities of wine (10 million bottles per annum) it is host to several major seasonal festivals (see below), and in between offers all the delightful characteristics of small Italian towns, with its shops and services to the immediate surrounding area.

The old town, perched high on a hill, and surmounted by a mansion house, is particularly attractive and offers fine views over the valley. For the visitor, the lower town comes vividly alive (and car parking more difficult) on market days (Tuesday and Friday).

Casa Gancia

The 16th century palace of the Gancia wine dynasty lies on the summit of the hill of the old town

Piazzetta

A small square at the foot of the hill leading up to the old town.

Chiesa dell'Adoloratta

The Church is opposite San Tommaso

San Tommaso

The cupula over the the polychromatic marble altar. The frescoes here are fading.

The old way

To move wine. This cart has survived and is preserved on the forecourt of the Town Hall.

The old town

Ancient, narrow lanes lead up the hill towards the summit

Nearly there

The path broadens near the top as the view opens up.

Belbo Valley

Looking down over the rooftops and, beyond, up the Belbo valley towards San Stefano.

Wine cathedrals

What makes Canelli unique is its least immediately visible characteristic - extensive underground cellars extend for kilometres under the town and the surrounding hills. These provide special conditions for controlling temperature and humidity, and limiting exposure to sunlight, whilst refining the wine's characteristics. Many are masterpieces of architecture - truly cathedrals - in their own right.

The cellars are currently under consideration by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The Assedio (Siege) of Canelli

In 1613 the army of Monferrato, led by the Duke of Mantua, lay siege to the town. Despite the presence of only a small guard of soldiers of Savoy, but perhaps fortified by local wine, of which there was apparently an adequate supply, the citizens ensured that Mantua was repulsed.

Today, the relief of the Siege is re-enacted annually as a major spectacle on the third weekend in June by about 2,000 local people in period costumes. The town is also 'dressed' for the occasion, and inns and taverns offer recipes of the time.

Festival - Wine Town

A gastronomic celebration held on the fourth weekend in September in atmospheric locations in the historical town centre, accompanied by music, folklore and culture. All the 'wine cathedrals' are open, offering tastings, guided tours and guest wines from other regions of Italy, and there is a typical street market.

St Martin's Fair / Regional Truffle fair

These events co-incide on the Second Sunday in November and close the season. St Martin's fair dates from the 14th century; today there are around 300 stalls enlivened further by buskers, tumblers and players.

The Truffle Fair is completely dedicated to the exhibition and sale of white truffles - the "white diamonds" of Piemontese cuisine - and restaurants offer special truffle-based menus.

Practicalities

There is adequate free car parking in Piazza Gancia (not market days).

A limited amount of Tourist Information literature is on display at the municipio (Town Hall) on Via Roma.

Canelli has a 'rural' train service with onward connections to Alba, Asti, Alessandria and Acqui Terme.

E mail: kerrie@anitalianadventure.co.uk

0039 0141 851 154