Celle Enomondo: Churches, Routes and Hemp Tradition

Celle Enomondo combines historic churches and routes with a long-standing hemp tradition. Visitors choosing the town for a trip will find a range of points of interest, including architectural history, rural chapels and routes for different modes of transport. The topics below provide an overview to help you choose what to focus on.

Churches and Historic Sites

Ex Castello di Celle Enomondo stands on the site of an old fortress, mentioned in documents as Castellum de Cellis in 1041. The parish church stands on the former site of Ex Castello. This location therefore links the fortress’s early written mention with the present-day church site.

The Chiesa della Confraternita di San Rocco dates from the 18th century and is designed in the Baroque style. The church houses a wooden statue of Saint San Rocco, also dating from the 18th century. The single-nave Chiesa di San Vincenzo Ferreri is in Borgata Merlazza, dates from the 19th century and is dedicated to San Vincenzo Ferrari. With their different dates and features, these churches add to the town’s historic traces.

Religious buildings also shape the traditional character of the rural municipal area: there are 18 small chapels there, built between the 18th and 19th centuries. The Cappella dell’Immacolata Concezione is located by the road. Check local conditions before visiting. The chapels stand apart from the churches and should not be confused with individual stops along a particular route.

Routes on Foot or by Bike

The 18-kilometre “Bric & bike” route can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or by e-bike. Along the way, you can discover restored votive pillars and chapels. The stated length and modes of transport offer a practical guide for planning; the route combines these details with the small religious monuments along the way.

Stage 2 of the Via dei Santi runs from Celle Enomondo via San Pancrazio to San Carlo di Tigliole. It starts on Provincial Road 13A, reaches Celle Enomondo and then follows Provincial Road 13 as far as the hamlet of Pianetti. Check the route before setting off. The stage associated with Celle Enomondo is described as a link between nature and history; its themes include wildlife oases, old villages and Romanesque churches.

The two routes have different emphases: “Bric & bike” specifies the route length, three modes of transport, and the votive pillars and chapels along the way. The Via dei Santi places Celle Enomondo within a stage with a described road route and themes related to nature and history. This lets you choose between a route with a stated length and a named stage when planning your trip.

Hemp as Part of Local History

Celle Enomondo’s hemp tradition dates back to the early years of the 19th century. Traditionally, the fibres were used to make items including ropes, sacks, bed sheets, towels, tablecloths and clothing. These examples illustrate the range of traditional uses: hemp fibres were used for both everyday goods and textiles.

The culinary tradition also includes flour made from hemp seeds, which was used for bread and focaccia. The fibres and seeds represent two different aspects of the same local tradition: making materials and processing hemp as food. Together with the churches and routes, they offer another way to explore the history of Celle Enomondo, without letting one topic overshadow the others.

Festivals and Trip Planning

Editions of the Festa di San Rocco took place from 12 to 16 August 2023 and from 14 to 18 August 2024. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the relevant edition before making arrangements. These dates refer to past festival periods and are not a schedule for future years.

Whether you are mainly interested in churches, the hemp tradition or one of the routes described, Celle Enomondo offers several distinct topics to consider when planning your trip. To find a hotel in Celle Enomondo, search for a stay that suits your plans.

Discover more destinations: Loazzolo, Cornalea, Agliano, Montafia, Nizza Monferrato, San Paolo Solbrito, Castelnuovo Belbo, Moncalvo

For the broader travel overview: Asti.