The charming Relais Rocca Civalieri combines classy hospitality with the discovery of the unknown Monferrato between wine, art and culture.
Inserted three years ago in the Unesco World Heritage Site for its artistic, cultural and gastronomic importance, the Monferrato is a complete and still to be discovered destination. Its reputation as a wine region that produces DOC and DOCG wines such as Dolcetto, Grignolino, Cortese di Gavi rather than Brachetto d’Acqui, Malvasia or Moscato d’Asti goes hand in hand with gastronomic food, just think of the white truffle, Hazelnut Tonda Gentile of the Piedmont Igp or the DOP cheeses, first of all the Gorgonzola of Casale Monferrato. But this area of just under 2,000 square kilometers that includes the provinces of Asti and Alessandria also has a cultural and artistic heritage that deserves to be known and lived. There are 3 unknown Monferrato Trails proposed by Rocca Civalieri, an oasis of peace, relaxation and charm that redefines the modern concept of Relais becoming a starting point for exploring the Unesco heritage in which it is immersed. Located near the ancient hamlet of Quattordio, Rocca Civalieri is in itself a hymn to history and culture. Formerly known as Rocca Sparavera, it was a military fortress that from its strategic position defended the territory and the Tanaro river. Acquired in the 15th century by the noble Civalieri family and transformed into a civilian residence, it was the last residence of Cristierna of Denmark, whose portrait by the painter Hans Holbein on commission of Henry VIII is present (in copy) at Rocca Civalieri in a room to her dedicated. Purchased in the 1970s by engineer Cesare Pettazzi to make it into a farm, the structure is now owned by his nephew Marco Casalegno, who after a long recovery work officially inaugurated in 2009 a very efficient and charming Relais in one perfect coexistence between ancient and modern design, for the welcome of food & wine lovers, offering a wonderful oasis of wellness and relaxation and discovering the unknown territories of Monferrato.
The Unknown Monferrato Trails
The Wine Trail leads to the discovery of excellent wineries such as the historic Coppo cellars – declared World Heritage Site by the Unesco – and its so-called Underground Cathedrals, a true temple dedicated to wine, its history and the history of men who have been working with passion and expertise.
The Outdoor Trails allow you to discover the natural heritage and fairytale landscapes of the Monferrato, not forgetting the most modern graffiti of the renowned Kool Koor, one of the pioneers of the New York scene in the center of Quattordio.
The Culture Trails are born to allow visitors to listen, see and touch the cultural and artistic heritage of the Monferrato, including medieval and underground Asti, completely submerged by the sea in the past. All trails provide half-day or full-day itineraries overnight in one of the 29 rooms or suites – some with their own dehor overlooking the outside garden – and breakfast, lunch or picnic basket, hotel dinner at Restaurant Corte dei Civalieri, relax in the wellness area, massage in Civalieri SPA and use of indoor and outdoor pools (from € 80.00 to € 270.00 per person).
The Rocca Civalieri Cellar
It’s worth mentioning the ancient barrel vault cellar, an engaging and classy place to taste all the most special wines and liquors in the area offered by the Relais or to organize aperitifs with delicious tastes of the gastronomic specialties of the area. All wines and liqueurs can also be purchased directly in the cellar.
(www.hotelroccacivialieri.it)
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