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The Most Beautiful Villages in Piedmont
Discover the 20 Officially Awarded Places in the Italian Region

In the Piedmont region, there are so many beautiful villages that are definitely worth a visit. Right now, 20 of them even have the official title of being among the most beautiful villages in Piedmont, and even Italy.

These places have been evaluated by the association “I Borghi più belli d’Italia.” They went through strict criteria to earn a spot on the prestigious list of the country’s most charming villages.

I’ve already been to some of these places, while others are still on my list of must-visit destinations. Some are tucked away in remote valleys, hard to reach, but that just makes them all the more enchanting.

Here’s an alphabetical overview of the most beautiful villages in Piedmont, including Rassa, which joined this prestigious group in November 2024, making it one of the now 350 places included throughout Italy.

Map of The Most Beautiful Villages in Piedmont


1. Barolo

📍Barolo, Provinz Cuneo

Barolo is likely to be the most famous of Piedmont’s beautiful villages. It only joined the association in November 2023. Barolo is internationally famous for its high-quality red wine, which shares the village’s name.

The main attraction here is the castle, which is home to an intriguing wine museum and offers stunning views of the picturesque rolling hills of the Langhe region, surrounded by vineyards.

In the village’s narrow streets, you’ll find plenty of enotecas, or wine shops, run by local producers. They’re the perfect places to taste and purchase the esteemed Barolo wine, which proudly carries the DOC quality label.


2. Candelo

📍Candelo, Provinz Biella

Candelo is one of the most impressive medieval villages in the Piedmont region. It’s mainly famous for the Ricetto di Candelo, which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Italy dating back to the 13th century.

Originally, the Ricetto was a safe haven for locals and their supplies. Today, you can still see the perfectly preserved walls, towers, and cobblestone streets in this tightly packed part of town.

Within these old buildings, there are plenty of craft shops, exhibitions, and little cafes. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll and to soak up that medieval vibe.


3. Castagnole delle Lanze

📍Castagnole delle Lanze, Asti

Since 2022, this beautiful village in the heart of the wine region has been officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Piedmont.

Castagnole delle Lanze’s picturesque historical center, with its cobblestone streets and lovely buildings, sits atop a hill surrounded by stunning vineyards.

The place is known for its excellent wines like Barbera, Dolcetto, and Moscato d’Asti, which you can taste at many of the local wineries.


4. Cella Monte

📍 Cella Monte, Provinz Alessandria

Cella Monte is a really tiny village in the Monferrato wine region and has been part of the association since 2018.

The main attraction here is the Infernot, which are beautifully carved cellars made entirely from sandstone. They’re actually a UNESCO World Heritage site! These unique cellars were used in the past and are still used today to store wine.

View of Barolo from above, one of the most beautiful villages in Piedmont, surrounded by green vineyards and a picturesque hilly landscape. In the center stands a historic castle that towers over the traditional roofs of the village.
Barolo – One of the most beautiful villages in Piedmont
A charming alleyway in Barolo, lined with red brick walls and lush flower tendrils in pink and white, leads to the imposing castle of Barolo. The historic building with its striking towers and ornate windows sits majestically in the background.
Barolo Castle

5. Chianale

📍Chianale, Provinz Cuneo

Chianale is a picturesque mountain village sitting at 1,800 meters, just below the Colle dell’Agnello near the French border. It’s so beautiful that I’ve been there several times, even though it’s pretty out of the way.

The village is known for its traditional stone houses with slate roofs and its well-preserved Occitan culture. The Varaita stream runs through the village, splitting it in two, with a historic stone bridge connecting both sides.

Chianale is also a great starting point for hikes in the Cottian Alps.


6. Cocconato

📍Cocconato, Provinz Asti

Cocconato, often called the “Riviera of Monferrato,” is located at 491 meters and offers a mild microclimate that allows plants like palms, olive trees, and mimosas to thrive.

In the historic center, narrow, winding streets lead to significant landmarks like the Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione and the Palazzo Comunale.

In Cocconato, you can also enjoy top-notch local goodies like the famous Robiola cheese. Another highlight is the “Palio degli Asini,” a traditional donkey race.


7. Garbagna

📍Garbagna, Provinz Alessandria

Since 2015, Garbagna has been recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Its historic center has a vibe similar to Ligurian villages, with tall houses snugly lined up next to each other, distinctive alleys, arches, and beautifully carved doorways.

The main attractions include the Doria Palace and the Oratory of San Rocco. The local speciality is the “Bella di Garbagna” cherry, known for its deep red color and crispy texture, with a medium-length stem.

View of Chianale, one of the most beautiful villages in Piedmont. You can see a picturesque mountain village with traditional stone houses, red tiled roofs and colorful flower boxes. A clear mountain stream flows through it, crossed by a historic stone bridge, set against a backdrop of majestic Alpine mountains.
Chianale, one of the most beautiful villages in Piedmont

8. Garessio

📍Garessio, Provinz Cuneo

Garessio is located within the Piedmontese Maritime Alps and is surrounded by dense chestnut forests. In the historical center, known as Borgo Maggiore, you’ll find narrow streets, historic buildings, and beautiful squares.

Garessio is also known for its rich culinary tradition, featuring delights like the “Garessina” chestnut and Polenta Saracena, a local specialty made from buckwheat flour.


9. Guarene

📍Guarene, Provinz Cuneo

Not far from Alba you will find the lovely village of Guarene, nestled in the rolling hills of the Roero area.

The village is dominated by the impressive Castello di Guarene, a baroque castle from the 18th century, which is now a 5-star hotel.

Another architectural highlight is the Parish Church of Saints Peter and Bartholomew, with its elegant façade and intricate interior. The local specialty here is the Madernassa pear.


10. Ingria

📍Ingria, Provinz Turin

Ingria in the Val Soana is one of the smallest villages in the association. With fewer than 50 residents, this charming place sits at 1,000 meters high and features traditional stone houses.

Thanks to its amazing location at the edge of the Gran Paradiso National Park, Ingria is a perfect starting point for hikes and nature adventures.


11. Mombaldone

📍Mombaldone, Provinz Asti

Mombaldone is the only village in the Langa Astigiana area that’s still completely surrounded by its medieval walls and gates. The Parish Church of San Nicolao and the remnants of the old castle are particularly worth a visit.

The village is nestled among the distinctive “Calanchi,” which are narrow, steep limestone gorges, creating an oasis within a tuff stone landscape.


12. Monforte d’Alba

📍Monforte d’Alba, Provinz Cuneo

Monforte d’Alba is part of the UNESCO World Heritage wine landscapes of Piedmont and, together with Barolo a fantastic day trip from Turin.

The village’s historic center fans out down the hillside, with narrow, winding streets, charming squares, and historic buildings.

The main attraction in this popular village is the Auditorium Horszowski, an open-air theater at the highest point of the village.

It’s used for concerts and cultural events and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding vineyards.

View of the Castello di Monforte and Palazzo Scarampi. The Alps are visible in the background under a blue sky.
Castello di Monforte d’Alba
Horszowski Auditorium and a red brick church in Monforte d'Alba.
Auditorium Horszowski in Monforte d’Alba

13. Neive

📍Neive, Provinz Cuneo

The lovely village of Neive is nestled in the hills of the Langhe region and is a stop along the so-called Romantic Road, a fantastic road trip through wine country.

Sights like the Castello di Neive and the Church of San Pietro showcase the village’s rich history.

However, most visitors come for the famous local wineries that produce excellent wines, including Barbaresco and Moscato.


14. Orta San Giulio

📍Orta San Giulio, Provinz Novara

Orta San Giulio is picturesquely situated on the eastern shore of Lake Orta, on a peninsula jutting into the water. The lively and popular old town captivates visitors with its narrow, cobblestone streets and historic buildings from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

One of the highlights is Piazza Mario Motta, surrounded by magnificent palazzi and the 16th-century Palazzotto della Comunità. From here, you can enjoy a view of Isola San Giulio, home to the Romanesque Basilica of San Giulio and a Benedictine nunnery.

Above the village is the Sacro Monte di Orta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 20 chapels dedicated to the life of St. Francis of Assisi.


15. Ostana

📍Ostana, Provinz Cuneo

Ostana is situated at about 1,250 meters in the upper Po Valley and offers breathtaking views of the towering Monviso, often called the “Stone King.”

This tiny village, with fewer than 90 residents, is known for its traditional architecture, featuring stone houses with slate roofs. These have been carefully restored to preserve their authentic character.


16. Rassa

📍Rassa, Provinz Vercelli

Newly added to the association of the most beautiful villages in Italy as of November 2024 is the little village of Rassa. With just 60 residents, it’s picturesquely located at about 920 meters in the Valsesia Valley, close to the Aosta Valley.

A special highlight is the medieval stone bridge over the Gronda River, which divides the village in two. Its remote location makes Rassa particularly appealing for hikers and nature lovers.

Two historic churches in Neive, Piedmont, surrounded by manicured gardens and green trees that stand out against a bright blue sky.
Churches in Neive, Piedmont
A wooden bench in the shape of a circle with the inscription "Le Colline del Barbaresco", framing a picturesque view of the rolling hills and vineyards near Neive in Piedmont.
Viewpoint in Neive of the Langhe vine region

17. Rosazza

📍Rosazza, Provinz Biella

The beautiful village of Rosazza, with just over 100 residents, is located in the Valle Cervo.

It owes its unique character to Federico Rosazza Pistolet, a senator and Freemason, who commissioned numerous buildings, including the Neo-Gothic castle, the town hall, and the church.

These structures are notable for their blend of Lombard, Romanesque, Renaissance, Byzantine, and Arab stylistic elements, and are rich with Masonic symbols.

A must-see is the monumental cemetery, where marble sculptures are adorned with numerous esoteric signs. Because of this distinctive architecture, Rosazza is considered one of Italy’s most mysterious villages.


18. Usseaux

📍Usseaux, Provinz Turin

One of my favorite of the most beautiful villages in Piedmont is Usseaux in the Val Chisone. It sits at 1,414 meters in the heart of the Cottian Alps.

Within the well-preserved alpine village center, you’ll find traditional stone and wood houses, complete with fountains, washhouses, and bread ovens, along with about 40 fascinating murals.

These murals depict scenes of rural life, nature, and fairy tale characters.


19. Vogogna

📍Vogogna, Provinz Verbano-Cusio-Ossola

Vogogna is located south of Domodossola, in the heart of the Ossola Valley. The village is part of the Val Grande National Park, Italy’s largest wilderness area.

In the historic center, you’ll find narrow streets and well-preserved buildings from the 14th century. The Visconti Castle has dominated the small village since the mid-1300s, highlighting its strategic importance in the past.


20. Volpedo

📍Volpedo, Provinz Alessandria

Volpedo is well-known as the birthplace of the painter Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo. His studio, which he set up in 1888 in his hometown, now serves as a museum offering insights into his work.

In the historic village center, many well-preserved medieval buildings remain, including the Romanesque church Pieve di San Pietro.

Dating back to before the year 1000, it was expanded in the 15th century and now houses frescoes by brothers Manfredino and Franceschino Basilio, who also worked on the Milan Cathedral.

Another highlight is the Spanish walls from the 16th century that enclose the medieval center.

The most beautiful villages in Piedmont also include the village of Usseaux, of which the market square can be seen here. In the background mountains you can see pictures painted on the walls of the houses.
Usseaux, one of the most beautiful villages in Piedmont

How are the villages selected?

To become a member of the association I Borghi più belli d’Italia, villages must meet strict criteria.

These ensure that only the most beautiful, authentic, and culturally valuable places are included in the list. The main criteria are:

Population Size: The village should have a population of fewer than 15,000.

Historical and Artistic Value: The village must have demonstrable historical and architectural value, such as well-preserved old towns, historical buildings like churches, castles, or palaces.

Authenticity: The village shouldn’t have lost its traditional character due to modern changes or constructions. Authentic building styles, materials, and settlement structures must be preserved.

Maintenance and Upkeep: Buildings, streets, and public spaces must be in good condition. Neglected or inadequately maintained places are not accepted.

Scenic Beauty: The surroundings of the village are also important, including picturesque landscapes, special natural beauty, or extraordinary geographical features.

Tourist Offerings: The village must be able to welcome visitors, which includes having sufficient tourist infrastructure like accommodations, dining, museums, or cultural events.

Identity and Tradition: Local traditions, dialects, craftsmanship, and culinary specialties contribute to the evaluation. A strong awareness of the cultural heritage of the place is important.

The small, white church of Usseaux, with its bell tower, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and a clear blue sky.
Usseaux church and village square
The picture shows a picturesque mountain village with steep, narrow streets, traditional stone houses and flowering plants. The majestic Alps rise up in the background, framing the idyllic scenery of the village of Chianale in Piedmont.
Village center of Chianale in Piedmont

Conclusion

To truly experience the region, make sure to visit at least one of Piedmont’s most beautiful villages. They are among its absolute highlights.

They uniquely blend history, culture, and scenic beauty. Each village has its own character and tells the story of this special region.

Many of these places are tucked away in remote valleys and aren’t always easy to reach.

But with 20 award-winning villages, no matter where you are in the region, you’re sure to find one to add to your Piedmont travel to-do list.


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