If you are reading this article, it only means one thing: you are planning a trip to Monferrato or want to learn more about this wonderful hilly area. You will therefore already know that we are talking about an area between the provinces of Asti and Alessandria that is practically 100% hilly. Imagine: 2,500 square kilometres of hills alone; It goes without saying that in Monferrato there are many heights and viewpoints to admire this wonderful landscape from above.

Castell’Alfero is a beautiful municipality that, as you can easily imagine, owes its name to the presence of an imposing castle. Right here is a fantastic lookout point with views of all the surrounding hills; and if that’s not enough for you, a few miles from the village is Big Bench no.204!

Did you know that Moncalvo Monferrato is the smallest town in Italy? In fact, this tiny town still proudly retains the title of a city despite its small size-we speak of about 3,000 inhabitants. There is so much to see, and by forwarding along the ramparts of Charles Albert Square, what remains of the ancient castle, you will enjoy a unbelievable view.

Agliano is a small but very active town on the top of a hill; as its name suggests, it is home to a thermal spa and is also one of the municipalities of the Nizza DOCG. The Aglianesi wine producers’ association is very active and often organises tastings and events in the village square, surrounded by a beautiful garden. Just arrive in the central square (it’s a bit uphill!) to realise that the town has a beautiful view all around. But if you want to enjoy something unique, you have to climb to the top of the tower, an ancient remnant of Agliano Castle, which was destroyed in 1600: from here the entire Monferrato will open up to your view.

A pochissimi passi da Villa Prato, here is a surprising and very Instagrammable corner: l’Altalena Gigante, inaugurata da pochissimo. The swing stands in one of the most favorable spots, overlooking the hill facing north: from here it is possible to admire not only the neighboring villages, such as Fontanile with its stunning cathedral, but also to see majestic Mont Blanc in the distance. The swing then, so colorful and playful, is an ode to carefreeness and play, to become children again even if only for a moment while observing the magnificence of Nature around us.

We are in Roccaverano, the heart of the Langa astigiana and the highest municipality in the area. This is where people come during the hottest summer days to seek coolness and to taste the typical robiolas of pure goat cheese so typical of this small town; and right here, among the foliage and trees of a small garden, in the historic center, stands a Tower almost thirty meters high, the remnant of a Castle that has been lost; the forests of the Alta Langa dominate here a landscape where the hillside begins to resemble the mountain.

Small bonus: just outside the village of Roccaverano is a second tower, the Tower of Vengore, facing the Acquese: it was an ancient lookout tower that protected the safety of all citizens.