Cocconato Station: Railway History, Hiking Trails and Local Culture
Accommodation in Cocconato Station
If you’re looking for hotels in Cocconato Station, Cocconato offers a clearly defined thematic focus: its former railway use, trails through woods and valleys, historic buildings and events. The former Cocconato railway station was served by the Asti–Chivasso railway line until 2011. This date makes railway history a tangible point of reference for your stay, without reducing the town to its former role as a transport hub.
Railway History and Trails
After descending through woods and a valley floor, the Cammino Romanico Cocconato leads close to the former railway station. An alternative walking route on the Cammino Romanico Cocconato connects with the Superga–Crea hiking trail. The two route references offer different highlights: one is described in terms of woods, the valley floor and its proximity to the former station; the other, through its connection to another hiking trail. When planning your trip, you can decide which of these themes better suits your stay.
Local History and Buildings
The Torre di Cocconato was originally part of the castle of the Counts Radicati and was later converted into a residential building. From there, the view extends to the Alps, the Ligurian Apennines and Milan. Palazzo Comunale was built in the 15th century and is considered one of the rare Gothic public buildings in Piedmont. It was probably built as a southern extension of the castle of the Counts Radicati.
The churches also offer insight into different periods of construction. The parish church was built between 1670 and 1689 and has eight side chapels. Its furnishings include an altarpiece by Vitaliano Grassi dating from 1731, a polychrome marble high altar from 1724 containing relics of the patron saints, and an organ built in 1860. The church of Santissima TrinitĂ stands at the beginning of Via Roma and has a covered portico. Another trace of local history is preserved in the former pharmacy: its furnishings date from the 18th century, while its sign is from the early 20th century. The building is now used for commercial purposes.
Woodland, Markets and Local Events
At Parco Forestale dell’Alberone, signs introduce the native trees of the hills. The signs draw attention to the tree species and add a tangible connection with nature to the theme of the trails. The municipal market hall in Piazza Giordano is used for the fruit and vegetable market as well as folkloric and sporting events. Since event dates may vary, check what’s happening during your stay before you travel.
The Palio degli Asini combines a historic parade featuring facts and people from Cocconato’s history between 1200 and 1400 with a donkey race. It traditionally takes place on the fourth Sunday in September. The evening before, the Banchetto de vivande de la corte has been held since 2002. Medieval-inspired dishes include roast pork, wild boar with chickpeas, sweet wine and hippocras. Cocco…Wine is another event in Cocconato: the tasting focuses on wines from the region and takes place on the first weekend of September.
An old sign in Cocconato also lists salami, Robiola, truffles and good wine. It adds an older culinary tradition to the medieval-inspired festive cuisine. For a specific local reference, The Rocket pizzeria is located at Via Stazione 9, 14023 Cocconato (AT).
Discover more destinations: Castel Boglione, Albugnano, Villa San Secondo, Azzano D'asti, Bubbio, Migliandolo Di Portacomaro, Castelletto Molina, Gorra
For the wider travel overview: Asti.
