Monforte d’Alba
The old houses of the village stand against the foot of a steep hill, in an enchanting position.
The patrician residence, owned by marquises Scarampi del Cairo, was built on the walls of the old castle.
In addition to the noble residence, in the suggestive historical centre you can see a Romanic bell tower, dated back to 13th century, the Umiliate’s and Sant’Agostino’s brotherhoods, dated back on the 13th century, the parish church, built on the 10th century in Piedmontese-Gothic style.
In the Santo Stefano hamlet you can find worth Romanic apse, dated back to 1100.
The Horzowski auditorium, built in a natural amphitheatre , proposes relevant concerts.
History
It has been founded in the Roman era; later, it has been owned by the Longobards and the Carolingians.
The name “monte forte” comes from a military expression used to indicate its important strategic position during the wars between the local lords.
After having been owned by many different families, the town was since 1700 a property of the marquis Scarampi.
Monforte d’Alba: the place to go for an aperitif in the sun
Monforte d’Alba (528m) is another town that stands tall upon the hill and offers spectacular views over the surrounding hills and, on a clear day, the Alps in the distance.
This is the place to be on sunny days.
On those days, and on the weekends, its main square fills up with bikers, cyclists, and other visitors enjoying a good glass of wine and some tasty snacks in the sun.
It is a place to see and be seen.
When you visit, keep your eyes peeled because you might spot some celebrities here.
The town has been discovered by international singers and film stars that are attracted to the area.
It is with good reason that Monforte attracts many guests.
A place of art
There are good restaurants, art expositions, small antique shops, “enoteche” and delicatessen shops.
You should explore the village on foot: walk up through the little streets until you are at the top of the town.
As well as a wonderful view, you will find a small amphitheatre where in summer concerts and theatre plays are performed.
Can you imagine what a spectacle this must be? Sitting under the stars, on top of a hill, enjoying a concert in the light evening breeze.
Monforte is also certainly a village centred around music; you will often find a live band playing on one of the terraces, and the Barolo bar always plays music.
It gives the town a very different feel from the mostly quiet Langhe villages.
If you like jazz, you should consider visiting in July or August.
Monforte is then the stage for the annual “Monfort in Jazz”, an open-air jazz festival that attracts visitors from Italy and abroad.
Some historical background
Monforte’s history goes back to Neolithic and Roman times when it was known as ‘Mont Fortis’ or strong mountain.
Its name was inspired by the large walled castle that stood strong on the summit of the hill.
Through the centuries, it changed reign many times: from the Archbishop of Milan in 1028, to the Savoy, the King of Sardinia, and back to the Savoy in 1726.
Although there are no remains of the old castle or noble houses, the village still has a Romanesque bell tower from the 13th century, the Confraternita delle Umiliate e di Sant’Agostino from 14th century, the Palazzo Scarampi (1706), and the modern Piedmontese Neo-Gothic parochial church from the 20th century.
Food & Drinks
The town offers excellent restaurants such as Trattoria della Posta, Grappolo D'oro, and Da Felicin.
Most impressive though is the must-visit bar-restaurant Le Case della Saracca: even if it is only to drink one glass of wine, one should not miss this place.
It is a spectacularly restored building which offers great wines and food.
Wines come accompanied with an excellent choice of small appetizers.
Although this is common in the regions, La Saracca excels in both atmosphere and quality.
They open late so be sure to check their opening times, and make a reservation for a table.