Italy should be on every wanderlust list! Even if you have already visited, there is always something new to unveil. We have recently discovered the Monferrato area of Piedmont.
Piedmont is a magical region in Northern Italy that holds a true gem, the Monferrato area. Divided into Alto Monferrato and Basso Monferrato, this area borders the Liguria region.
It comprises 300,000 hectares of nature with rolling hills, vineyards, and charming towns, Monferrato is a historical region listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Perfect for visiting from spring to fall, Alto Monferrato enchants visitors with breathtaking panoramas and delicious food products, particularly wine.
Gavi / Photo Celia Abernethy
Learn all about the Alto Monferrato, including the best spots to visit and where to taste the local delicacies.
How to get to Alto Monferrato
The Monferrato area is about an hour and a half drive from the major cities of Milan and Turin and only an hour from Genoa and is easily accessible by car. Driving is the best option for exploring Monferrato, but the train is also an option. The regional train departs from Turin Porta Nuova, or Milano Centrale and it takes you to the city of Novi Ligure in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From there you can take local trains or busses to discover towns such as Serravalle Scrivia, Gavi and Libarna.
What to Do in Alto Monferrato
Libarna/ Photo MiC
Nestled in the scenic region of Piedmont, Italy, Monferrato beckons with its captivating landscapes, charming hilltop villages, and a rich cultural heritage. This enchanting destination offers an array of activities and experiences that cater to diverse interests.
Nature lovers can explore the rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque countryside through hiking or cycling routes, while wine enthusiasts can indulge in tastings at renowned wineries and delve into the world of Gavi and other local varieties.
Here are some towns and sight you might want to see while in Monferrato:
Among the bigger towns in the area, Nova Ligure has a lovely historic center with many painted palaces that closely resemble Genoa. While in town, the unmissable stop is the unique Museo dei Campionissimi, which displays vintage bicycles and traces local and national cycling through historical records.
Serravalle Scrivia is a very small town squeezed between the hills and the course of the Scrivia stream. The town is characterized by brightly coloured Ligurian architecture, a castle and ancient churches with prestigious treasures of art. It is also home to the Serravalle Designer Outlet where discounts of up to 70% can be found on brands such as Gucci, Prada, Fendi and many more.
Libarna is an ancient Roman city near Serravalle Scrivia. It thrived from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD. Visitors can explore well-preserved ruins, including residential areas, public buildings, a forum, a theater, and an amphitheater. The site offers insights into Roman urban planning and daily life. Libarna artifacts, such as statues and pottery, reveal its artistic and cultural heritage. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Libarna is a valuable resource for archaeology and offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of the Roman Empire.
Gavi is Alto Monferrato’s most famous city. Called “the city of fort and wine”, the first feature of Gavi is its enormous fortress. Built by the Genoese on top of Monte Moro, the castle overlooks the medieval historical center. Gavi’s other characteristic is the production of the white wine Cortese di Gavi, a fruity and floral wine that pairs well with fish and white meats. But Gavi has more than wine to offer visitors, such as the ancient Chiesa di San Giacomo, which houses valuable artworks, and the Santuario di Nostra Signora della Guardia. The sanctuary is located in a dominant position from where one can admire Gavi and the Lemme Valley. Acqui Terme gets its name from the thermal waters that flow through the heart of the town. The most prestigious landmark is La Bollente, an ancinet fountain of boiling-water that has attracted tourists since Roman times. Located in the rolling hills of the Monferrato region, Acqui Terme is home to a number of luxurious spas that draw their water from three natural thermal springs.
Where to Eat
Dine at La Gallina, overlooking the vineyards of Villa Sparina in Gavi / Photo SDO
Gavi, housed in the boutique resort and winery Villa Sparina, “La Gallina”, is a charming restaurant celebrated for its seasonal Italian dishes, showcasing the region’s culinary heritage, in a cozy and rustic ambiance, perfect for a memorable dining experience. Villa Sparina is also an excellent place to stay and is close to shopping, golf and sightseeing.
Within the exquisitely charming Alto Monferrato region, renowned for its delectable cuisine and exquisite wines, one can discover a collection of exceptional restaurants that captivate the senses. Here are some of our favorite gourmet restaurants in Monferrato.
Nova Ligure, “Ristorante Villa Pomela”. Set in a stunning villa, the restaurant proposes a gourmet menu based on traditional recipes. The restaurant also has a well-kept cellar with renowned local and international wines.
Serravalle Scrivia, “Tenuta San Giorgio”. This restored farmhouse prepares authentic Ligurian and Piedmontese dishes with excellent products grown on-site.
Acqui Terme, “Ristorante I Caffi”. The frescoed rooms of the 15th-century former Town Hall serve as the background of this restaurant. The traditional menu is prepared with local and sophisticated ingredients, and the restaurant also boasts an outstanding wine cellar with 600 labels.
Where to Shop
Serravalle Designer Outlet /Photo SDO
The best place to shop for luxury brands in the Monferrato area, is Serravalle Designer Outlet.
Europe’s largest luxury designer outlet, Serravalle Designer Outlet, at a 5-minute drive from the Serravalle Scrivia city center, or 1 hour from Milan or Turin. Serravalle Designer Outlet is a renowned shopping destination, attracting visitors with its 230+ luxury brands and significant discounts of up to 70%. Its charming Italian village architecture, cobbled streets, and open-air concept enhance the shopping experience. From high-end fashion labels like Gucci and Prada to popular brands like Nike and Levi’s, there’s something for every style and budget. The outlet also offers a range of dining options. Conveniently located near Milan, it’s easily accessible and perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Serravalle Designer Outlet delivers an unforgettable shopping experience, blending quality, variety, and value.
The Galleria in Torino is a magnificent architectural gem nestled in the heart of the city. With its stunning glass and iron structure, the Galleria exudes timeless elegance and grandeur. Inside, visitors are transported to a world of sophistication and luxury, as they stroll along its marbled floors under a beautifully crafted glass dome.
In the center of Alessandria, Galleria Guerci resembles Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for its architecture. Galleria Guerci hosts a wide variety of shops, from bigger brands to small boutiques, as well as cafès and bakeries for a relaxing break.
Images supplied. Feature image courtesy of Wikimedia Free Images
