The 5 Best Things to Do in Serralunga d'Alba Italy
Serralunga d’Alba is a beautiful little village in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.
I highly recommend spending at least a few hours wandering about as it’s one of the best towns in this piece of Piedmont.
Castle?
Check.
Wine?
Check.
Church?
Duh, this is Italy.
Views?
You betcha!
Let’s begin by placing Serralunga on the map!
Where Is This Little Town?
Serralunga is in the Province of Cuneo.
It’s located about 80km south of the Turin (Torino), the capital of Piedmont and it’s just 15km from the town of Alba.
The village only has 535 residents so it’s very small.
Serralunga d’Alba sits up on a hill surrounded by vineyards that produce some amazing wine.
What Is There to Do in this Village?
Serralunga d’Alba is a Medieval city that dates back to 1224 so there’s quite a bit of history here.
It has a typical circle layout and intact walls with gates.
And, as I mentioned, it has a castle — which is where we’ll start.
Visit the Castello
The castle, castello, is the star attraction — well that and the world class wine.
This site sits at the top of the town.
You’ll see it as you drive along the rural roads to Serralunga.
The castle is only open on certain days and times so do plan accordingly.
I didn’t plan and just showed up at the town — on a day the castello wasn’t open.
Don’t be like Lynne!
I understand the tour is wonderful — the castle is impressive with its 2 towers and a chapel with some beautiful frescoes.
Castello di Serralunga d’Alba, built between 1340 and 1357, was not a military fortress which apparently you can tell because of its unique shape.
It was more to show the prestige of the Falletti family — who were merchants and bankers — who oversaw the land and all the land produced.
The Falletti family were kind of the like the Medici family (from Florence) of this part of Piedmont — the Langhe — in that they were the most important family for roughly 600 years.
In 1949 the Italian State acquired the castle and restored it.
So now you can visit Castello di Serralunga d’Alba — as long as you show up on the right day!
Seriously, it’s most impressive.
Taste Some Wine
Yeah.
You can do this all over Italy.
But this area — the Langhe — is one of the top destinations for wine AND it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
So it’s super special.
There are tasting rooms and wineries in and around Serralunga d’Alba where you can sit and taste some of the best wines in Italy.
Pira Winery is located on the SP125 as you come into town from the west.
It has stellar reviews.
Azienda Agricola Vigna Rionda, owned by Massolino, is in town near the public parking lot and is a second solid option.
And Azienda Vinicola Palladino is a third winery tasting room in town near the public parking area just down the street from the above.
If you want a wine bar, then try Vinoteca Centro Storico near the Castello.
Further afield you’ll find the wineries more out in the vineyards.
I recommend the Gabutti Winery which is owned by the Boasso Family (you’ll se it as Azienda Agricola Boasso Franco) and Ettore Germano as both have high ratings.
Be sure to make appointments in advance as this is how it’s done in all of Italy.
It was too early for me to have an adult beverage, so I admit I didn’t have any wine while I wandered about Serralunga.
Plus I was driving.
But this is a perfect place to try some excellent wine — and grab a meal.
Try Osteria Tre Case or Cascina Schiavenza for lunch or dinner or nibble some bites at Vinoteca Centro Storico.
See San Sebastiano Church
This is Italy so churches are always a good idea.
Because Chiesa di San Sebastiano sits just outside the city walls, I missed it.
Yeah, I didn’t plan well for my time in Serralunga — which is why I’m writing this post so you can learn from my mistakes.
Dating back to 1888, San Sebastiano is the parish church of Serralunga d’Alba.
It’s not a particularly old church by Italian standards, but the interior is beautiful with frescoes.
The old church, San Benigno, sat at this same spot way back.
But it was time for a newer one.
So Chiesa di San Sebastiano was built in a neo-Romanesque style.
Do spend some time here.
The pics are lovely!
Wander the Streets of Serralunga d’Alba
While Serralunga d’Alba is very small, it’s still fun to wander about the streets.
It won’t take long to reach the Castello.
But take your time and notice all the little things.
Observe the locals.
Notice a door or a window.
Look for a stray cat darting about.
Serralunga is a lovely town to slow down.
Drink in the Views
I have to admit, I was completely enamored of the views.
Seriously.
The landscape surrounding Serralunga d’Alba is breathtaking.
Hills covered in vineyards with snow covered mountains looming off in the distance.
*Sigh*
2 of my favorite things: mountains and vineyards.
I took so many images just from the public parking area.
Then I walked up to the Castello and was rewarded with more stunning views.
I was fortunate to have a perfect weather day.
Maybe that’s why I was only mildly disappointed the castle wasn’t open to visitors.
I was quite happy to snap away — and to slow down and drink it all in.
Final Thoughts on Serralunga d’Alba
There is no doubt that this is worthwhile village to spend a few hours.
No.
There isn’t a lot to do here.
But there is a castle to tour — just time your visit properly.
There are streets to wander and views to make you sigh.
As always, there is a church.
And there is wine and food — because it’s Italy.
I loved that I only saw a couple of other travelers on my early May visit.
Serralunga seems a bit off the main tourist trail which is another aspect to love about this village.
It’s a place I will definitely go back to so I can tour the castle and drink some amazing wine as I drink in those spectacular views.
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I spent a week around the Piedmont region a couple of years ago, but I didn’t know of this gem. As pretty much every other town around, it’s gorgeous. I’ll make sure to visit next time I’m in the area 🙂
I agree, Coni, that so many of the towns in that area are beautiful. I can’t wait to return to this area to explore more!
Now this is my kind of city! I haven’t heard of it before, but I love medieval places so I’ll be adding it to my list.
I wouldn’t call it a city as it’s a very small town … more of a village. But it’s worthy of time.
Wow, Serralunga looks absolutely stunning! I’m not sure what I’m in love with more, the striking castle, the charming village or the breath-taking views! What a beautiful place to visit! Thanks for the great guide!
I agree Hannah…it’s all beautiful!
Wow! Serralunga d’Alba looks so breathtaking. I just added this charming town to my Italy bucket list. Your photos are beautiful as well. 🙂
Thanks Taylor. The whole area is really stunning with lots of charming towns.
Oh my goodness what a stunning little town! It is so quaint and cute. I love all of the pretty colors! Even if there isn’t a ton to do, it looks like the perfect place to walk around and take photos!
Yes, Serralunga is a charmer. I really want to see the interior of the castello on my next visit. And sit and have a bit of wine!
Putting this on my list and am pinning as I definitely plan on returning to Alba! Love that area so much!
It’s a gorgeous area for sure! I plan to return in the next year or 2 — once we can freely travel. I feel as though I just scratched the surface.