Serralunga d'Alba Castle (Castello di Serralunga d'Alba)
With its square keep and imposing towers perched on the hilltop above the village of Serralunga, the 14th-century Serralunga d'Alba Castle draws the eye from miles around and boasts an idyllic location overlooking the UNESCO-listed landscape of Le Langhe-Roero, famous for its prestigious Barolo vineyards.
The basics
This remarkably intact medieval fortress is one of the most notable landmarks in Piedmont’s Barolo wine country, and visitors can take a guided tour to learn about its unique architecture, more French donjon rather than Italian castle. Admire the coffered ceiling and magnificent frescoes of the Salone dei Valvassori, stroll through the halls in the central Palacium, and take in the spectacular views from the ramparts over the vineyard-covered hills. The castle sits in the heart of one of Italy’s most scenic wine areas, and a stop to visit the castle can be paired with a wine tour and tasting in the surrounding wineries. Most wine-tasting day trips also include lunch, so gourmands can discover this area’s famed cuisine.
Things to know before you go
- The rolling landscape of Le Langhe outside Serralunga is among the most picturesque in Piedmont, a paradise for photographers.
- The castle is not accessible to wheelchair users.
- Wine tours generally require a bit of walking outdoors, so choose comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- Kids enjoy visiting this fairytale-like castle, and the heady views from its ramparts.
How to get there
By car, take the SP130 highway from Alba. Otherwise, join a Barolo tour that includes transportation to avoid the complicated connections by public transportation.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The castle can be visited by guided tour only, which must be reserved in advance.
Le Langhe-Roero and Monferrato: Protected Landscapes
Piedmont’s Le Langhe-Roero and Monferrato countrysides were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, recognized for their unique beauty and encompassing five wine-growing districts, as well as the historic hilltowns of Serralunga, Barolo, La Morra, Nieve, and Bra. Winemaking in this region has a history dating from the Etruscans, five centuries before Christ, and these Piemontesi hills continue to turn out some of Italy’s flagship wines.
- Barolo
- Grinzane Cavour Castle
- La Morra
- Alba Underground (Alba Sotterranea)
- Port of Savona
- National Museum of the Automobile (Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile)
- Valentino Castle (Castello del Valentino)
- Valentine Park (Parco del Valentino)
- Basilica of Superga (Basilica di Superga)
- National Cinema Museum (Museo Nazionale del Cinema)
- Mole Antonelliana
- Piazza San Carlo
- Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio)
- QC Termetorino
- Carignano Palace (Palazzo Carignano)