Serralunga d’Alba
The center of Serralunga, a typical medieval town, has changed a little since the old times.
From the castle it’s possible to see its structure, of houses built around the castle; this way it was easy for the people to run and take shelter there in case of war.
The castle was restored thanks to Luigi Einaudi and it is today one of the few castles in the Langhe that can be visited.
Its tall towers remind of the need to look for the Saracins and to communicate with the other castles through light signals.
Serralunga is one of the best places for the making of Barolo wine.
The ton fair is held on the third Sunday in August.
History
The town has been built along with its castle: owned by Bonifacio del Vasto, “Sera Longa” (named after its bizarre shape, built as it was on a hill’s crag), was later owned by the Del Carretto family and the marquis of Saluzzo.
It later became a feud of the marquis Falletti di Barolo, who had the castle built, and of the Baldi family from Bra.
The castle was conquered in 1616 and later occupied by the Spanish.
At present owned by the Italian government, it has been restored in 1950 thanks to the then President Luigi Einaudi.
Stunning sunsets in Serralunga d’Alba
Serralunga d’Alba is a town you might easily miss, as it lies a bit off the beaten track of the better known La Morra – Barolo – Monforte route, but it is a charming town with some excellent restaurants offering lunch on their terraces overlooking the Barolo vineyards.
Characteristic of the town is that it lies on top of the hill with a wonderful medieval castle that can be seen from all the surrounding villages.
It is a village that I have a special connection with because the views from our house are towards Serralunga and her castle; the small streets are paved with antique cobblestones.
The town is very quiet and feels as if it was untouched by time.
Most houses are traditional stone houses and from almost anywhere you have the most beautiful views over the surrounding valleys.
The Castle
The sturdy castle in the centre of town is opened to visitors at specific times of the day.
Visiting times are written on a note that is pinned to the castle door or can be found online.
From the castle it’s possible to see how the town was laid out, with the houses built around the castle and its small streets leading up to the castle; this way it was easy for the people to run and take shelter in the case of attack from a neighbouring kingdom.
The castle was restored thanks to Luigi Einaudi.
Its tall towers are reminiscent of the times when the Saracins used to communicate with other castles through light signals; you can find the castle opening timings on a note on the castle’s door, but also find them online.
I highly recommend to visit it!
Food & Drinks
The town has several restaurants of which Flauto Magico and La Rosa dei Vini have excellent reviews and equally exceptional views over the vineyards.
For those that are looking for a special treat, they can book a table at the Michelin starred restaurant Guido Ristorante that is located in Tenuta Fontanafredda, just off the road between Serralunga and Alba.
I would definitely recommend stopping for an ‘aperitivo’ or a simple coffee at È...DiVino.
This is along the road that passes through Serralunga.
They have a nice selection of home-made cookies and cakes to go with your coffee, and the young staff, modern menu, and boutique-like atmosphere, make for a nice contrasting experience to the town.
They also have a lovely patio, and a terrace that overlooks the hills.