Gavi: Fortress, Romanesque Churches and Wine

Gavi combines the history of its fortress and sacred art with climbing opportunities and wine tastings. Forte di Gavi dates back to a medieval castle; its churches preserve traces of several centuries. There are also plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, from the Falesia di Gavi to a trail along the Torrente Neirone. If you’re looking for a hotel in Gavi, you can plan your stay around what matters most to your trip: the fortress and churches, climbing, or wine tastings.

Fortress and City Walls

Forte di Gavi is a historic fortress built primarily for defensive purposes by the Genoese on the site of an existing medieval castle. Work began in 1626 and lasted four years. The castle was transformed into the fortress seen today: six bastions are connected by fortified curtain walls fitted with gun ports.

The 2026 opening calendar includes guided group visits. The visitor route is mostly outdoors, so check the official calendar before your trip. The Antica Cinta Muraria is also part of Gavi’s former fortifications. The city walls once protected Gavi and extended to the fortress. Remains can be seen on the climb to the Forte and along the road from Portino degli Orti to the bridge over the Lemme.

Romanesque Churches and Historic Art

The Parrocchiale di San Giacomo is a Romanesque church first documented on August 15, 1172. Its façade was built in the second half of the 12th century from local sandstone, on the remains of a hospice for pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Santiago de Compostela. The church contains late medieval frescoes and frescoes from the 17th century. It also houses a marble sculpture of the Virgin by Carlo Cacciari, dated 1764, and a wooden processional depiction of the Assumption of Mary by Luigi Montecucco, dated 1854.

Another landmark in Gavi’s sacred history is the Pieve di S. Maria sul Lemme. Built before the year 1000, it was Gavi’s mother church. The Santuario di Nostra Signora della Guardia was built in 1861 on Colle dei Turchini. The temple, with its Greek-cross plan, offers views of Gavi. Its feast day is celebrated on August 29.

The Oratorio della Madonna Assunta detto dei Turchini dates from 1575. The single-nave oratory is home to the local Confraternity of N.S. Assunta, the Turchini. Frescoes adorn the walls and vault; the furnishings also include tapestries and a wooden statue of the Assunta by Bartolomeo Carrega. Together with the older buildings and dated artworks in San Giacomo, these works offer a picture of different periods of construction and art, rather than a single historical period.

Cliff, Stream Trail and Planned Loop

The Falesia di Gavi has more than 50 climbing routes of varying difficulty that can be climbed year-round. However, the south-facing cliff gets very hot in summer. The “dietro il Forte” trail follows the Torrente Neirone for about 800 meters to the cliff. Along the way, you’ll find views of nature and the remains of old stone structures. Around Forte di Gavi are the Torrente Neirone, with its crystal-clear water and waterfalls, wooded slopes, and spring-fed pools home to significant amphibian fauna.

A walking loop is also the subject of a municipal project: the “Anello di Gavi e via dei palazzi” is intended to connect the Forte with the historic center via a scenic route surrounded by nature. The planned route starts at the Giardini di piazza Dante and follows the historic uphill path to the fortress. From there, another historic path is intended to lead downhill to the municipal wine shop. As this is a project, check the local signage before setting out.

Wine Tastings in Gavi

At La Chiara, the tasting includes five glasses of wine accompanied by local products such as cold cuts and focaccia. A visit to the wine cellar is also included, offering insight into the winery’s history and its connection to the surrounding vineyards. At Cantine del Gavi, tastings take place in old underground cellars set within the massive walls of an 18th-century palace; local cheeses and cold cuts are served. The experiences therefore have different focuses: La Chiara combines the tasting with a cellar visit and the winery’s history, while Cantine del Gavi highlights its historic cellar setting and local accompaniments. Confirm that tastings are available in advance.

Discover more destinations: Frassinello Monferrato, Alessandria, Oviglio, Palazzina, Paderna, Figino, Borghetto Di Borbera, Trisobbio.

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