5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit the Beautiful Monforte, Italy

Monforte Italy — properly known as Monforte d’Alba — is a beautiful hill town in the Piedmont region.

I fell in love with this village of 2000 people.

While I only spent a couple of hours in this charming town, it’s a destination I’ll go back to.

And it’s one I highly recommend to you.

Why?

Here are 5 kick ass reasons.

But let’s start with the where.

Where is Monforte Italy?

Monforte d’Alba is about 22km south of the town of Alba in the Cuneo province of the Piedmont region.

Turin, Torino, is the capital of Piedmont and lies about 65km northwest of Monforte.

This hill town really is pretty much in the middle of the vineyards that produce the world class Barolo wine.

So it’s surrounded by grapevines, green hills, more small towns and oh, by the way, there are some really big mountains off in the distance.

Getting around by car is easiest although there are busses that do connect the towns.

Why you should visit this beautiful town

To wander the narrow streets

There aren’t a lot of sites in Monforte, Italy.

But there are pedestrian streets filled with colorful buildings and Italians living their lives.

So Monforte is a fabulous destination for those who want to wander about a small town.

And it’s a wonderful place for photographers as all these narrow lanes, colorful old building and wooden doors make for great photos.

I have a LOT of images from this charming village.

And I was only there for a couple of hours.

Be sure to keep walking up and up as that will take you to the next reason why you need to visit Monforte.

To visit the historic center of town

If you keep walking up the Medieval streets, you’ll end up in what is the historic center of town around the Horszowski Auditorium which is a natural amphitheater and Oratory of Sant’Agostino and San Bonifacio, an old church.

It is thought that there was a castle, the Palazzo Scarampi, that sat in this area back in the 11th century.

But nothing of it remains.

Today the existing Scarampi Palace was built by the Carretto Marquises around 1706 on the same site of the old palazzo.

It was refined in 1833.

This uphill walk is so worth it to really see the beauty of the town and to be rewarded with incredible views — which we’ll get to.

The Horszowski Auditorium — the natural amphitheater — is gorgeous.

Every summer there are concerts which I think would be such a treat.

You’ll see the Baroque Oratory of Sant’Agostino and San Bonifacio and the bell tower that goes with it.

This area is simply beautiful.

You really get a sense of the history of this village in this spot.

To gaze upon the stunning Piedmont landscape

As you wander up to the historic center you’ll begin to get some views.

But once up at the top of Monforte, Italy — in the historic center — you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramas — out to the hills, vineyards and beyond to the snow-capped peaks.

Spend some time in the historic center of town drinking in these views.

The area around the bell tower is a fabulous spot to snap some pics.

I sat on the wall and took loads of photos across the rooftops to the stunning landscape.

And I just sat, drinking in the beauty of Piedmont.

It’s truly breathtaking and worthy of some time — especially if you have good weather.

To eat some delicious food

When I arrived in Monforte I walked through the lower town and saw 2 couples who were staying at the same agriturismo I was — near Barolo.

They were sitting at a restaurant eating, what looked like, some very tasty food.

I regret that I didn’t do the same.

But I can I tell you, from some research, that there are some wonderful places to eat in Monforte Italy.

I will also say that Piedmont has some of the best food in all of Italy.

Do be sure to slow down and have a meal or at least a snack in this amazing town.

Here are a few choices:

• Trattoria Terraluna (where my fellow travelers were eating)
  
• Osteria dei Càtari
  
• Osteria La Salita
  
• Le Case della Saracca
  
• Moda
  
• Barolo Bar — for a light bite and wine (see below)

To drink some of the best wine in Italy

You are in Italy and you are in Piedmont.

More importantly you are in the Langhe region of Piedmont — home to the world famous Barolo wine also known as the King of wine.

But you’ll also find the Queen of wine, Barbaresco in the Langhe.

And you’ll find Barbera, Dolcetto and Nebbiolo the latter of which is the grape that becomes Barolo and Barbaresco.

Nebbiolo is simply not aged as long.

And of course, Barolo and Babaresco Nebbiolo grapes must be grown in certain areas AND they come at a higher price tag than Nebbiolo.

Tip: Nebbiolo is often just as good.

Anyway…

All of these wines are some of the tastiest wines in all of Italy, in my opinion.

You’ll find some spots in Monforte to taste wine if you are after a tasting experience.

Some of the local vineyards do have tasting rooms in town.

Try Alessandro & Gian Natale Fantino, Margherita Otto or Giacomo Conterno.

Just outside of town you can try Gianfranco Alessandria (delicious wines), Tenuta Rocca or Clerico Domenico for an actual vineyard visit.

Do make an appointment for visiting the vineyards as — unlike at wineries in Napa, Sonoma or the Willamette Valley — you can’t simply drop in.

If you don’t want to do a formal tasting, then simply drop in one of the bars, cafes or restaurants in town and try a glass or share a bottle with your travel partner.

Monforte Italy is an excellent town for trying some tasty Piedmont wine(s). 🍷

Final thoughts on Monforte d’Alba

I love little towns — villages really — like Monforte, Italy.

While there may not be any major sites, simply wandering through streets where the locals live, work, shop, eat, drink and play is one of the aspects I love most about travel.

A town like this doesn’t require much time and can be a stop along the way — exploring for an hour or so and perhaps having lunch.

However I find towns like Monforte are wonderful places to actually stay for a couple of nights to really immerse yourself in local life.

I leave that choice up to you as to how much time you want to spend in this village.

But do be sure to visit Monforte on your journey through Piedmont.

I know I’d love to spend some more time in this charming village, perhaps having a nice dinner or doing a wine tasting.

Can’t wait to go back!

Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many destinations and attractions found on this website will not be operating although some places have opened. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC. I do plan to continue to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about travel. This way when we can all travel again, you’ll be ready to go! For now, stay home (or close to home) and stay safe!

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