Calosso: Heritage, Crotin and Hiking Trails

Calosso combines a distinctive wine landscape with architectural history, underground cellars and marked hiking trails. Since 2014, almost the entire municipal area has been part of the highest-protection zone of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “The Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato”. This offers different ways to plan your trip: you can explore the historic townscape, include one of the described trails in your plans, or take the dates of the Fiera del Rapulè into account.

Castello, church and underground cellars

The Castello di Calosso has several building phases, dating back to before the year 1000. Its massive round tower with corbelled arches and fully preserved Ghibelline merlons define the complex. If you visit the castle as part of Castelli Aperti, the owners lead visitors through the historic hall, the chapel dedicated to Saint Alessandro Sauli, the underground rooms and the park on visiting days. Check visiting days and guided-tour arrangements when planning your trip.

The Parrocchiale di San Martino also offers a distinct architectural perspective on Calosso. It was built in the final decades of the 17th century. Its tall façade is richly ornamented and divided into two superimposed sections, with pilasters and a pediment at the top. Behind the altar is an elaborately crafted wooden choir, probably dating from the early 18th century. The façade’s design and the work in the choir are two distinct details to look out for as you explore the church.

The Crotin offer another glimpse into the town’s history: old underground cellars dug into sandstone beneath buildings in the historic town centre. Seasonal visiting arrangements list free visits to five Crotin on the first and third weekends of each month from April to September. Confirm visiting dates before your trip.

Memories of winegrowing and town life

The Museo Memorie Di Futuro is a permanent installation of images and films dedicated to Calosso’s oral histories and material memories. The films were made by Andrea Icardi, with original music by Giorgio Conte. Their subjects range from wine and the grape harvest to the seasons of winegrowing and the Fiera del Rapulè. They also feature traditional objects and stories from Calosso residents interviewed by Piercarlo Grimaldi and Enrico Ercole. Alongside objects and images, the voices of local people are also at the heart of the exhibition.

Choose hikes by duration and distance

The Sentiero Paludo 303 A crosses the Riserva Naturale del Paludo and runs alongside the small Oasi Perrone – Marchisio. It is rated as easy and described as a hike of about one hour. Another option is Stage 1A of the Percorso Essenze e Conoscenze in Calosso: it is 5.19 kilometres long, with 45 metres of ascent, and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is a concrete difference to consider when planning your time: the first trail is estimated to take about an hour, while the second stage is described as taking around twenty minutes longer and includes its distance and ascent. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Fiera del Rapulè and local cuisine

The Fiera del Rapulè is held on the third weekend of October. During the event, Calosso offers a food trail featuring typical local dishes and DOC and DOCG wines from 25 producers belonging to the Associazione Crota ‘d Calos. As the programme may change with each edition, check the dates and offerings for your planned visit. This will help you fit the event and its culinary highlights more precisely into your trip.

Whether you want to focus on architectural history, memories of winegrowing or a hike, Calosso offers a range of clearly described themes.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vinchio, Loazzolo, Castel Rocchero, Quarto, Agliano, Tonco, Costigliole Dʼasti, Villa.

For the main travel overview: Asti.