History
The history of Castagnole delle Lanze is very ancient. The village was already inhabited in Roman times, while the name of the town is connected to the presence of the Lancia dynasty during the Middle Ages. Ruled in the 14th century by the Visconti family and from the late 1500s by the Savoy family, in 1850 the village became part of the Kingdom of Italy. During the 1800s, Castagnole delle Lanze cultivated a strong agricultural and wine-growing tradition that still distinguishes it today, and in the following century it experienced significant industrial development, thanks in part to an important influx of labor from the rest of Italy.
What to see and do in Castagnole delle Lanze
A visit to Castagnole delle Lanze can only begin with the historic center and in particular the colorful and cheerful porticos of Via Ener Bettica, structured by thirteen arches painted by the painter Vincenzo Piccato. An open-air exhibition composed of pictorial works that pay homage to the nature and landscape of the hills between Langhe and Monferrato.
The artist, through his works on the walls, wanted to pay homage to the nature and landscape of the hills between the Langhe and Monferrato. Especially noteworthy is the Portico of Tristan and Isolde, inspired by the Arthurian myth, and richly decorated with hundreds of tears in various shades of color.
In Castagnole Lanze, even the house numbers on the doors of the heart of the historic village become artistic expressions thanks to the brushstrokes of the village painter: Beppe Gallo, a well-known and popular artist.
Among the many beauties of the village is the Parish Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, positioned on a small hill and noted for the grandeur of its facade. Built in the late 1600s, the church is quite bare externally, but holds precious treasures inside, such as the gilded stuccoes and 230 carved cherubs throughout the church, the wooden altars, and the huge frieze crowning the ecclesiastical choir.
Worth a visit, along the promenade leading to Piazza Balbo, is the now deconsecrated Church of San Giovanni (or Church of the Confraternity of the White Beats). Events, temporary exhibitions and cultural festivals have been held inside it for several years.
Finally, also worth visiting is the green heart of Castagnole delle Lanze, the Parco delle Rimembranze, located in the historic center of the town, immersed in the peace and colors of the vegetation. The park, dedicated to the Fallen of the First World War, is home to the Tower of Count Paolo Ballada of Saint Robert, built on the ruins of the ancient castle, which during fine weather allows views over the entire Langhe and Monferrato.
Events and festivities in Castagnole delle Lanze
An important event not to be missed in Castagnole delle Lanze is the Festa della Barbera: a food and wine event in which, every year on the first weekend in May, private courtyards (usually closed to the public) are opened in the town's historic center to host food stands and local wine producers, where it is possible to taste typical local products and, of course, the typical wine of the area, to which the festival is dedicated. Also, music and art exhibitions.
Another event in the area is the theater festival held in July and September, named "Landscapes and Beyond," which brings music and theater performances to the UNESCO World Heritage lands. Then, since 1967, the "Festival Contro - Festival della canzone d'impegno" has been held every year, in which the likes of Fabrizio d'Andrà ©, Baglioni, Ligabue and Vasco Rossi have also participated over time.
The food and wine specialties of the area
Castagnole delle Lanze, due to its hillside location in one of Piedmont's major wine-producing areas, is an elective place for the cultivation of typical local grape varieties, primarily Moscato d'Asti, Dolcetto d'Alba and Barbera d'Asti.
The wine industry is particularly developed, and the most typical products include Ruchè di Castagnole delle Lanze, a delicate red, Barbera d'Asti Superiore and the fresh Moscato. Another pride of the area is undoubtedly Chardonnay and the IGP Piedmont hazelnut. We would also like to remind you that the village has arranged an interesting initiative, known as "Adopt a row in the Lanze," which allows adherents to obtain 12 bottles of Barbera Lanze wine in recognition.
