Verduno

Verduno still has the appeal of an old town, increased by the lovely position in which it has been built.

All houses are gathered around the castle, now a hotel and restaurant.

The baroque parish church has been built in the stile invented by Juvarra, the town’s most beautiful place is the lawn on the main square.

From the Belvedere tourists can enjoy wonderful views on the Langhe, together with the pleasure of a quiet and relaxing place.

History

Its name comes from the Celtic language and means “flowery hill”.

It was originally a Roman village; the proof are the many tombstones, coins and plaques found there.

In the Middle Ages a defensive castle was built.

The town was later owned by the bishop of Alba and in 1631, following the Cherasco treaty, by the Savoia family.

Verduno castle charm

Verduno has the magical charm of an old town, as it is almost untouched by modernity and has a lovely position on the hill.

All its houses are gathered around the castle, now a hotel and restaurant Real Castello.

From the Belvedere tourists can enjoy wonderful views of the Langhe, together with the pleasure of a quiet and relaxing place.

The name ‘Verduno’ comes from the Celtic language and means “flowery hill”: it was originally a Roman village and many tombstones, coins, and plaques were found here to prove it.

In the Middle Ages a defensive castle was built.

The town was later owned by the bishop of Alba and in 1631, following the Cherasco treaty, by the Savoy family.

On the road from Verduno to Grinzane Cavour, in the small hamlet of Annunziata, you can find the Romanesque-Baroque ex-Benedictine Monastery of San Martino di Marcenasco (1200), also known as the “Chiesa dell’Annunziata” church, where you can also find the famous Lebanon cedar tree which must be the most photographed tree in Italy.

The tree is unique because it stands tall above almost a natural shrine of hills and vineyards.

It dates back to 1856 and has become a landmark that is admired by many.

Food & Drinks

I think a visit to Verduno is not complete without visiting the Real Castello that is dates back to 1500.

King Carlo Alberto of Savoy purchased the Castle of Verduno and entrusted the management of his estate to the famous enologist General Carlo Staglieno.

Here the first vinification of the Nebbiolo grape was made, laying the base for modern Barolo.

In 1909 the Burlotto family purchased the castle and its estate from the House of Savoy and in 1953 part of the castle was converted into a hotel, and the wine cellars were restored to produce wines.

The castle produces its own wines, from Barberas to the Barolos of the Castle of Verduno.

Today Elisa Burlotto passionately manages the Real Castello along with her daughters: Alessandra runs the restaurant and Elisabetta is in charge of the hotel and cultural projects.

You should certainly not miss the opportunity to visit the castle and at least have a coffee in its gardens.