Discover Moasca

When looking for a hotel for a trip to Moasca, you can consider what you would like to focus on during your stay: the castle and churches offer a glimpse of local history, the Rivi Wetland brings you closer to nature, and wine experiences combine enjoyment with insights into how wine is made.

The Castle and Local History

Moasca Castle represents two distinct milestones in the town’s history. In July 1308, the Guelfi Solaro destroyed the earlier fortress after a 22-day siege. The surviving parts of the castle are the remains of a building constructed in 1351. The two dates therefore mark the destruction of an earlier fortress and a later building, parts of which have survived.

In 1999, the Municipality of Moasca launched a program to restore and enhance the surviving castle complex. This also included restoring the large underground cellar. Today, the restored castle houses the Davide Lajolo Collections Museum. The cellar is also home to the Bottega del Vino di Moasca “Nerodistelle” and the Garden Winery “Tra la Terra ed il Cielo” Restaurant & Café. If you are planning a visit, check the current visiting arrangements in advance.

Churches from the Same Period

The parish church of San Pietro dates back to the late 17th century, as does San Rocco. San Rocco also has distinctive architectural features: it is built of terracotta and has a bell tower and a portico. Comparing the two brings together their shared period and the distinctive features of San Rocco.

Rivi Wetland and Birdlife

The Rivi Wetland lies in a hilly valley floor in the valley of the Torrente Nizza, close to the watercourse. It is a wetland protected by LIPU. The part of the Paludo e Rivi di Moasca Nature Reserve located in the municipality of Moasca covers 7.09 hectares. This gives you a sense of the size of the area within the municipality without confusing it with the total area of the nature reserve.

Rivi is home to a rich variety of birdlife. Species that overwinter there include corn buntings. This seasonal detail is particularly useful for planning: corn buntings are mentioned in connection with winter, while birdlife as a whole is a defining feature of the natural environment.

Wine, Cellar Visits and the Starry Sky

Barbera d’Asti, Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante are considered the leading wines of Moasca’s local wine industry. Amerio Vincenzo offers a walk through the vineyards followed by a wine tasting on a terrace overlooking them. Another offer includes a cellar visit where each step of the winemaking process is explained. As booking availability may change, it is best to check directly before your trip.

I Formaggi di Moasca also offers a guided tour of its cheese-making workshop. If you are planning a visit, confirm the current visiting arrangements before you arrive. This gives you an insight into local cheese-making as well as the region’s wine.

Moasca’s position on a high hill and its unobstructed southern horizon are considered particularly well suited to astronomical observation. The Nero di Stelle event combines wine, music and stargazing in Moasca. If you would like to include the event in your travel plans, check the dates for your travel period.

Getting There by Car

You can reach Moasca by car via the A21 and the Asti Est exit. Then follow the signs for Canelli–Nizza Monferrato. At Dosso di Moasca, turn left; from there, it is about a kilometre uphill to the historic town centre and Piazza del Municipio. The approximate distance and incline give you a practical idea of the final stretch of the drive.

Discover more destinations: Montemagno, Rocca D'arazzo, Viarigi, Castel Rocchero, Vigliano D'asti, Stazione Cocconato, Cinaglio, Castell'alfero.

For the broader travel overview: Asti.