Agliano: Vineyards, Trails and Cultural History

Agliano brings together vineyards on the hills, a variety of trails, and a rich architectural and cultural history. When planning your trip, it is worth considering both sides: the routes offer specific ways to explore the landscape, while the churches, tower and cultural centres reveal different historical connections.

Trails through vineyards and hilly landscapes

The six hill routes from Agliano Terme total 36 kilometres. Their stages include hamlets and wineries belonging to Barbera producers. The 36 kilometres refer to the combined length of all six routes, not to the length of a single trail. This gives you both the extent of the trail network and the character of its stages to consider when planning.

The Percorso della Barbera offers a different way to find your bearings: five colour-coded circular routes through vineyards and cherry orchards. Whereas the six hill routes are described by their combined length and stages, here the focus is on each individual loop. The Percorso can be used year-round when there is no snow.

You can explore the landscape around Agliano on foot, on horseback or by bicycle. Its distinctive character comes from vineyards that follow the regular, harmonious slopes and form an orderly pattern across the hills. When planning your trip, you can take into account both how you want to explore and the vineyard character of the surrounding area. The Percorso della Barbera is usable year-round when conditions are snow-free.

Churches, a tower and cultural venues

The parish church of San Giacomo Apostolo was built in the Gothic style around the middle of the 16th century. San Michele was built in the final years of the 17th century and the first years of the 18th century. The church has since been deconsecrated, meaning it is no longer used for worship, and is now a multifunctional cultural centre. The dates point to different periods of construction; San Michele also represents a cultural use for a former church building.

The Torre dell'Acquedotto is a reconstruction of the tower of Agliano Terme's old castle, which was destroyed in the 17th century. The tower also serves as a viewpoint. Its connection to the castle sets it apart from the churches: here, the history of the former complex and its reconstruction meet a role as a viewpoint.

BAart is a cultural centre in Agliano Terme, opened on 21 May 2022. Along with the churches and the Torre, it broadens the picture of Agliano's cultural venues with a precisely dated 21st-century landmark.

Thermal history

A thermal spring was discovered in a field in Agliano Terme around 1770. In 2022, Fons salutis was one of two active thermal facilities in Agliano Terme. At the time, it operated on Via alle Fontane, in the countryside just beyond the historic centre. This timing is important when planning your trip: if you intend to visit, check in advance whether it is currently possible.

A stay in Agliano can therefore bring together different interests: trails through vineyard landscapes, historic churches and a tower connected to the old castle. The town's thermal history adds another facet. You can decide which of these will shape your stay based on the focus you want for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Canelli, Moasca, Monastero Bormida, Rocca D'arazzo, Pasquana, Belveglio, Castelnuovo Calcea, San Paolo Solbrito

For the broader travel overview: Asti.