Surroundings
Upper Monferrato
Exiting at the Ovada toll booth, about an hour's journey from Milan, Turin and Genoa and not far from the borders with France and Switzerland, there is the province of Alessandria, which represents one of the cultural, artistic and gastronomic hearts of the Piedmont.Stage full of wonderful landscapes, a land to be crossed slowly to appreciate mountains, rivers, hills, tourist itineraries and fascinating farmhouses and castles. A few minutes from Belforte M.to for green enthusiasts there is a renowned 18-hole Golf Club (Villa Carolina) immersed in a naturalistic setting. Framing this wonderful land there are numerous castles including the Castello di Tagliolo M. .to, the Lerma Castle and the Gavi Fort, where you can take a leap into the Middle Ages accompanied by the typical wines of the area: Dolcetto di Ovada and Barbera. For lovers of food and wine tourism, there are many wineries and restaurants in the area that will captivate you with their flavors and tastes, offering you typical Piedmontese dishes such as agnolotti, truffles, bagna cauda, all washed down by the local wine list. The calendar of events is rich, including food and wine events featuring wines, truffles and chestnuts in the months of August, September and October in the various Alessandria municipalities. Furthermore, for lovers of the open air, there is the Capanne di Marcarolo natural park where it is possible follow itineraries by bike, quad or on horseback. For those who want to learn to ride in the Ovada area there are excellent riding schools that will certainly be right for you. Finally, for those who want to try the unique experience of 360° shopping there is is the Serravalle Designer Outlet, a village far from traffic, which will welcome you with its 180 shops selling major clothing, sports and accessories brands at prices reduced by 30% to 70% all year round.
Serravalle Outlet
180 shops selling the best brands, with prices reduced by 30% to 70% all year round. The largest and most qualified choice of the best brands in the field of fashion, sportswear, accessories, home furnishings and cosmetics.
Open from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm.
For info: +39 (0)143 609000
Visit the website: www.mcarthurglen.it
Golf Club Villa Carolina
A few minutes' drive from Hotel Belforte you can reach the renowned Villa Carolina Golf Club.
Hotel guests will be able to take advantage of a 22% discount on the weekday green fee.
Open from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm.
For info: +39 (0)143 467355
Visit the website: www.golfclubvillacarolina.com
Piedmont Cycle Path
The world is even more beautiful seen from the saddle of a bicycle. Perhaps this is why more and more tourists are choosing two wheels to escape from the daily frenzy and discover a new way of experiencing natural beauty, traditions, culture, food and wine. The proposals of Piemonte Ciclabile touch the heart of the region with three of its splendid provinces, a territory rich in history and things to discover.
Via Cairoli, 103 - 15076 Ovada.
For information: Tel. +39 (0)143 821043 - Fax. +39 (0)143 821043.
E-mail: iat@comune.ovada.al.it
Visit the website: www.piemonteciclabile.it
Tagliolo Castle
The Castle dominates this village in the Ovada area with fascinating austerity. The oldest structure of the Castle is the square-shaped tower dating back to the 10th century, which was used to spot Saracen invasions. The visit in particular focuses on the large cellar of the Castle, where excellent wines produced from the Marquis' vineyards are produced and stored.
Open only on certain dates during the year.
For info: +39 (0)143 89195
Visit the website: www.castelloditagliolo.it
Gavi Fort
The Fort rises above the town. The vast and complex structure is the result of numerous interventions carried out in different eras. Inside, on different levels, there are numerous buildings intended, at the time, to house the troops. Of the Castle remains a square tower from the fifteenth century visible inside.
Open all year round from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
In summer from 9.30am to 5.30pm. In winter from 9.00am to 4.30pm.
For information: +39 (0)143 642679
Visit the website: www.comune.gavi.al.it
Trisobbio Castle
The Castle, originally from the 13th century, underwent a radical restoration in the 19th century. Situated at the top of the hill in the town centre, it has elegant mullioned windows and a high crenellated tower. The castle houses a restaurant and a hotel. The visit includes the climb to the tower, the garden and the internal spaces compatible with the catering activity.
Open all year from Thursday to Sunday. Closed in January. From 10.30 am to 3.00 pm - from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
For info: +39 (0)143 831108
Castello Masalpina
Masalpina Grimaldi Castle in Roccagrimalda is built on a rock overlooking the Orba, the castle was modified over the centuries. Transformed into a residence, it reached its current appearance when the Grimaldis built the west wing, at the base of which you can see a precious chapel decorated with trompe l'oeil architecture. The historic park is very interesting after the important restoration work.
Open only on certain dates during the year.
For info: +39 (0)143 873360.
E-mail: castello.roccagrimalda@gmail.com
Prasco Castle
Dating back to the 12th century, it has three semicircular towers and a central body structured around hanging gardens; the spaces once reserved for the feudal lord's residence and those intended for public functions can still be recognised. In the park there is a seventeenth-century snow house. The Castle houses the Center for the promotion of studies on Giorgio Gallesio.
Open only on certain dates during the year.
For info: +39 (0)144 375769.
E-mail: gallesio@economia.unige.it
Morsasco Castle
The Castle, mentioned since the 13th century, belonged to the Malaspina, Gonzaga, Centurione and Pallavicino families. Of great strategic importance, over the centuries it has lost its military characteristics and today presents itself as a stately home with large halls and pleasant rooms. The tennis court game room is of great beauty. At the entrance there is a park that opens onto the Monferrato hills.
Open only on certain dates during the year.
For info: +39 (0)144 73136.
E-mail: castellodimorsasco@libero.it
Morbello Castle
The Castle dates back to the 12th century and has passed into the ownership of many families: the Aleramo, the Del Bosco, the Malaspina, the Guala-Beccaria, the Spinola, the Pallavicino. Today it is home to a medieval cultural association, the Limes Vitae which every first Sunday of the months from April to October, starting from 2.30 pm until sunset, carries out free visits with characters in period costume.
Open every first Sunday of the month, from April to October.
For info: +39 347 1286599.
Visit the website: www.comune.morbello.al.it
Palazzo Tornielli
The palace stands in the center of the ancient village destroyed in 1625 and has a neoclassical façade. Built by Count Celestino Tornielli in 1834, it was finished by his son Giovanni. Inside there is a spectacular staircase with internal balconies, a large hall and lounges decorated with beautiful frescoes by Ignazio Tosi. The cellars with the ancient well and the oven are very suggestive.
Open on Sundays in July, August and September. From 9.30 am to 12.30 pm - from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm.
For info: +39 333 4460736.
Grillano Castle
The Castle belongs to different historical periods and is the result of a merger of different structures which took place between the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. It underwent a massive renovation at the end of the 19th century. The castle stands near the town and is surrounded by a vineyard. It has hosted a farm since the 1930s.
Open only on certain dates during the year.
For info: +39 (0)143 821085.
E-mail: tcr.grillano@libero.it