Nature and outdoor life in the Monferrato
People who choose the Monferrato often do so for the space: farmed hills, woods, the river Po and an open landscape just minutes from Casale Monferrato. Here nature is not a weekend destination but the backdrop to everyday life.
A landscape of hills and vineyards
South of the Po, the Monferrato Casalese is a succession of gentle hills, vineyards, hazelnut groves and small woods, dotted with villages on the hilltops. Since 2014 part of this area has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage site "Vineyard Landscapes of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato", which protects the relationship between vine growing, rural architecture and landscape.
Living here means a view that changes with the seasons: the colours of the grape harvest in autumn, the mists of the plain in winter, and clear days when the Alps appear on the horizon.
The river Po and protected areas
Casale Monferrato stands on the right bank of the Po. The Piedmont stretch of the river is protected by the Po Piedmont protected areas, with oxbow lakes, riverside woods and embankment paths suited to walking and cycling. The route of VENTO, the planned cycle path between Venice and Turin, also runs along the river.
A few kilometres away, the Sacro Monte di Crea at Serralunga di Crea combines nature and history: a natural park in the hills with a complex of devotional chapels, part since 2003 of the UNESCO site of the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy.
Walking and cycling between villages
Minor roads and farm tracks through the vineyards connect the hill villages and can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or e-bike. Many circular routes start directly from villages such as Cella Monte, Rosignano Monferrato or Vignale Monferrato, passing viewpoints and country chapels.
For anyone moving here, this is a real advantage: outdoor exercise does not mean getting in the car, and often starts at your front door.
What to consider when buying in the countryside
Living surrounded by greenery also has practical sides: looking after the garden and land, road access in winter, distance from services and the need for a car for daily trips. Each town page lists distances, connections and things to check, area by area.
If you are considering a cascina or a house with land, read our guide to buying a home in the Monferrato.
Want to live this every day?