Castelnuovo Belbo: Riverside, local history and Pacloche

Get to know Castelnuovo Belbo through its different points of interest: the Belbo stream, the Museo Francesco Cirio, churches, visible remnants of walls and local specialities. There are also routes through the surrounding area and events with a culinary focus. Depending on whether you are interested in the landscape, local history or regional cuisine, you will find different starting points for planning your trip.

By the Belbo and on the cycling tour

A section of the route near Castelnuovo Belbo runs along the left bank of the Belbo stream. Motorised traffic is prohibited on this path. Both its position beside the stream and the traffic restriction are defining features of this section of the route.

The “Dal torrente Belbo ai paesaggi delle colline UNESCO” cycling tour passes through Castelnuovo Belbo, Bruno and Mombaruzzo. While the path section focuses on the riverbank and the traffic restriction, the cycling tour describes a route through three municipalities. These different details help you distinguish between the landscape and the sequence of places.

Museum, churches and visible history

The Museo Francesco Cirio is dedicated to Francesco Cirio, whom the municipality describes as a pioneer of the canning industry. The museum is on the second floor of the town hall and can be reached by stairs or lift. Its dedication and its location within the town hall are among the museum’s specific features.

Visible remnants of the walls of the former castle can be found on Via Romita. The Chiesa della Regina Angelorum o San Biagio features an exterior terracotta apse topped with hanging arches resting on shaped corbels. Both sites offer a connection to local history, but each has a different focus: the remaining walls at one, the design of the church exterior at the other.

Every year on 31 May, worshippers gather at the Chiesa di Regina Angelorum to pray the rosary dedicated to the Madonna. The recurring date and specific location make this religious occasion a regular fixture in the annual calendar.

A bench, stories and a book exchange

Signs from the Belbo Bridge in the town centre point the way to the large “Panchina del Nizza” bench. Its name pays homage to “Nizza DOCG” Barbera wine, whose area of origin includes Castelnuovo Belbo. The name of this viewpoint therefore also points to a local wine connection.

Next to the bench is a barrel known as a “bibliobotte”. It serves as a free book exchange based on the principle “Take a book, leave a book”. The bench and book exchange are right next to each other; the signposted starting point for the walk to the bench is the Belbo Bridge in the town centre.

The “I Pali delle Memorie” installation uses a QR code on the post to share stories about people and the area. Parco Giochi Amico has play equipment that is also suitable for children with disabilities. These two offerings appeal to different interests: the installation shares stories, while the playground provides play equipment for children.

Pacloche and event dates

Pacloche are a local culinary speciality: extra-large agnolotti served with a light seasoning or a flavoursome sauce. A typical lunch featuring Pacloche is also part of the Fiera di San Biagio programme. The fair takes place every year on the first Sunday in February.

The 21st Camminata Enogastronomica in 2026 followed an approximately 12 km route through the hills of Castelnuovo Belbo. The route alternated between unpaved and paved sections, with several refreshment points offering the chance to sample typical local specialities. Both the approximate route length and the changes in surface are therefore relevant to understanding the event.

The Fiera has a recurring date in February, while the Camminata is characterised by its specific route description. If an event is the main reason for your trip, check the exact date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Rocchetta Tanaro, Penango, Cisterna D'asti, Cellarengo, Villafranca D'asti, Azzano D'asti, Incisa Scapaccino, Villa San Secondo

For the main travel overview: Asti.