Discover Canelli

Canelli is a destination that caters to a range of interests: wine, landscape, walking routes and architectural heritage. The town cannot be reduced to a single attraction: insights into its wine-making tradition sit alongside a walking route, a sweeping panorama and traces of different centuries. The places and themes below offer concrete ideas for shaping your stay around your own interests.

Wine and Panorama

In the center of Canelli, the Enoteca Regionale di Canelli e dell’Astesana offers tastings and sales of local wines. Its offerings include weekly tastings featuring wines from different producers. This gives you two distinct options: you can discover local wines or make a visit to the shop a separate part of your itinerary. If you want to include a tasting in your plans for the day, check the current schedule in advance so you can coordinate the weekly offering with your travel plans.

The Torre dei Contini offers a different perspective on Canelli. From there, the 360-degree view stretches across vineyards, with the Alps on one side and the Ligurian Apennines on the other in the background. The landscape thus adds another dimension to the wine experience: here, the focus is on the panorama rather than individual products. A path lined with vineyards leads to the tower. If you plan to visit, it is a good idea to check visiting arrangements in advance.

Exploring on Foot

The Via degli Innamorati runs from Piazza San Tommaso to Costa Belvedere, the Belvedere Unesco. It is accessible only on foot, so plan to explore it as a walking route. At the Sternia, one section is an open-air gallery featuring works inspired by Raymond Peynet. So, alongside the route itself, it offers a cultural point of interest: you can enjoy the walk while also looking out for the art inspired by Peynet.

History and Architectural Heritage

Canelli’s architectural history reflects different periods and purposes. Castello di Canelli is a historic residence dating from the 17th century. Castello Gancia, by contrast, was built as a defensive fortification as early as the 11th century. The comparison is between a residence and a building originally intended for defense—two distinct historical roles.

Churches also offer specific points of reference in time. San Tommaso was rebuilt between 1692 and 1694. San Rocco dates from the 18th century and is an example of Canelli Baroque. San Tommaso is therefore notable for its reconstruction within a precise time frame, while San Rocco is associated with a local Baroque style. If you are tracing the town’s history, you can consider the two churches from different perspectives: what was renovated, and when, and which architectural movement is associated with the town?

The MU.S.A. showcases more than 150 years of Italian wine-making tradition. Bosca was founded in Canelli in 1831. Together, these details offer a perspective on wine not only as a reason to enjoy a tasting, but also as part of history and tradition: the MU.S.A. conveys a long history of wine-making, while Bosca’s founding marks a specific year in the company’s history. This gives you two distinct perspectives on wine culture—a tradition spanning more than 150 years and a founding story rooted in Canelli.

Discover more destinations: Rocchetta Tanaro, Ferrere, Montechiaro D'asti, San Matteo, Castello Di Annone, Penango, Dusino San Michele, Cellarengo

For the broader travel overview: Asti.