Moncalvo, Italian comune
Moncalvo is a small city in the Province of Asti in the Piedmont region with about 3,000 residents. The center revolves around Piazza Carlo Alberto, where the remains of a castle built in the 1200s stand, surrounded by narrow alleys lined with stone houses, wooden storefronts, and colorful signs that speak to both medieval history and contemporary life.
Moncalvo was founded as a fortress in the 1200s and served for centuries as the seat of the Marchesi family of Monferrato. From the 1500s onward, wealthy families built grand palaces with ornate facades, and the city developed into an important center in the Monferrato region.
The name Moncalvo comes from its medieval fortified position on a hilltop. Local artisans still practice traditional crafts like woodworking and embroidery, which you can spot in small shops throughout the town.
The best time to visit is summer or early fall, when the weather is warm and the surrounding hills are green. The historic center is best explored on foot since the streets are narrow, and parking is available outside the old town.
One of the most remarkable features is the Bottega del Vino, a wine shop housed inside a tower from the 1300s and reached through an underground passage once used by soldiers. This hidden tasting spot offers a quiet place away from busy streets and reveals the layered history of the town.
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