Once again this week Europa in camping takes you to Italy, discovering a charming Piedmontese location, perfect for experiencing all the magic of Christmas. We go to the Langhe, a territory nestled between the provinces of Cuneo and Asti, between the Belbo, Tanaro and Bormida rivers.
A land with a proud peasant past, narrated with poetry by Cesare Pavese, beloved by all lovers of good food and good wine. The vineyards of the Langhe have been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and their productions do not need much introduction: Docetto, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Barbaresco and Barolo are world-famous wines. The Langhe are also renowned fortruffles, precious tubers that from the autumn period enhance the recipes of the local gastronomy.
From the Lower Zone of Alba, where the idyllic hillside landscapes do not exceed 600 meters in altitude, drawn by vineyards and dotted with beautiful castles, to theAlta Langa, bordering Liguria, cloaked in thick forests that reach 800 meters, and then the Langa Astigiana that sweeps south of the city of Asti, between Canelli and the Bormida River. The Langhe is a renowned destination year-round, perfect for touring by RV, but it is during the Christmas season that it reveals an even more magical atmosphere.
This is home to the best-known Christmas markets in all of Piedmont, but above all, the most anticipated event takes place here: the Magical Christmas Village, an event spread throughout the Langhe – Roero and Monferrato area. A tradition much loved by locals and followed abroad as well, so much so that Asti’s Christmas market has been included among the 10 most important Christmas markets in Europe by the European Best Destinations portal, the only one in Italy.
The Christmas markets of Asti
Not everyone knows that Asti is home to one of the largest Christmas markets in Italy: 130 small wooden houses with lots of local handicrafts and hundreds of stalls spread throughout the historic center, where you can try local products but also many goodies from the Italian regions. Dive into the most authentic spirit of the Holidays to rediscover the most beautiful and delicious traditions of the Bel Paese.
The city becomes a bit of a “home of Christmas” for everyone, and for the occasion, there will be no shortage of services to make the experience unique and comfortable, without frenzy: you can take advantage of the free shuttle bus that connects the Cosma Manera Square parking lot with the event area. Scheduled departures will be every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The markets will run until Dec. 22, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the charming setting of Alfieri Square. Admission and shuttle service are free.
A stop in Govone
Govone, in the heart of Roero, awaits all the magic of Christmas, a wonderful experience for everyone, especially families with children. The enchanting village is transformed into a real enchanted village: the streets of the center and the park of the majestic Savoy castle become Santa’s court, with lots of animations and dedicated shows. Stop also in the central square where some 20 little houses of the elf market are set up. A themed market ideal for doing some Christmas shopping.
Guaranteed fun for the little ones and an appointment with culture for the grown-ups: don’t miss an exclusive visit to the Royal Castle of Govone to admire the halls of the UNESCO heritage mansion, which, for the 2024 edition, is dressed up to describe the true “spirit of Christmas” in a whole new way by becoming “The Castle of the Magical Christmas Country.”
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