Canelli: Where history is rooted in tuff and the bubbles are legendary

Canelli is more than just a town; it’s an experience that unfolds vertically, from the vine-sculpted hills embraced by the UNESCO heritage landscape, down to the majestic cathedrals carved deep into the earth. If you are seeking a destination that seamlessly blends ancient history, enological excellence, and a touch of local mystique, you have arrived at the perfect place!

Historical Highlights: From Ancient Roots to the Sparkling Wine Capital

Canelli’s roots delve into prehistory, with settlements by the Ligures Statielli, and flourished in the Roman era as an agricultural centre already dedicated to viticulture.

The true historical significance, however, developed through its military past and, most notably, its winemaking evolution.

• The Siege and the Resistance: A crucial moment was the Siege of 1613, imposed by the Spanish and Savoy forces. Canelli resisted with fierce tenacity—an act of bravery still celebrated today—which forged the town's proud spirit. The silent witness to these events is Gancia Castle (an original medieval fortress later rebuilt in more stately forms).
• The Birth of Italian Spumante: Canelli is regarded as the homeland of Italian sparkling wine. It was here, in the mid-19th century, that Carlo Gancia (one of the town's most illustrious figures) began experimenting with the Méthode Classique using Moscato grapes, thus giving life to the famous Asti Spumante.

Places of Interest: Between Verticality and Depth

1. The Underground Cathedrals (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

This is the hidden, beating heart of Canelli. These are kilometres of galleries and tunnels excavated into the tuff rock between the 16th and 19th centuries by the historic wine houses (Bosca, Contratto, Coppo, Gancia).

These vast, silent environments maintain a constant temperature and humidity, ideal for the refinement of fine sparkling wines and other vintages. They are so immense and magnificent that they earned the name "Underground Cathedrals" and, together with the surrounding landscape, were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

2. The Stërnia and the Castle

The Stërnia is the historic, steep cobbled street that divides the ancient village (Borgo Villanuova) and ascends to Gancia Castle. Once the only way to access the fortress, today it is a captivating walk, often adorned with art that transforms it into the "Lover's Lane" (Via degli Innamorati). Once at the summit, the view across the vineyards is truly breathtaking.

3. The Tower of the Contini

An elegant 16th-century sighting tower and an unmissable viewpoint from which to admire the seamless blend of the Langa and Monferrato landscapes.

Town Festivals and Reenactments

• Assedio di Canelli (Siege of Canelli): The most deeply felt and spectacular festival. Held every June, it is a costumed historical reenactment of the 1613 siege. It offers a total immersion into the 17th century, featuring flag-wavers, historical markets, and firework displays.
• Canelli City of Wine and the Regional Truffle Fair: As the capital of wine, Canelli celebrates its excellence with numerous events. These range from tastings along the Lover's Lane during the grape harvest, to the Truffle Fair (usually in November) dedicated to the region's other great treasure.

Popular Beliefs and Anecdotes

As a place with such deep roots, Canelli also harbours a few stories whispered among its cellars.

• The Secrets of the Cathedrals: It is said that the profound silence and atmosphere of the Underground Cathedrals are not solely due to perfect soundproofing, but that they have for centuries been a refuge for ancient peasant legends tied to the tuff—the "mother earth" that guards the secret of fermentation. Some swear they can still hear the echoes of the first master winemakers diligently "riddling" the bottles in the darkness.
• The Dog on the Emblem: Canelli's civic coat of arms features a rampant golden dog. This is no mere phonetic coincidence! The dog was historically a symbol of fidelity and vigilance (like a "guard dog" of the territory), which is why the emblem still stands proudly atop the bell tower of the Parish Church of Sant’Ilario.

Famous Figures and Exemplary Stories

In addition to all the figures connected to enology (such as the aforementioned Carlo Gancia) who brought Canelli's name worldwide, another notable personality linked to the town is:

• Angelo Brofferio (1802-1866): Born in Castelnuovo Calcea but closely tied to the area, Brofferio was a celebrated poet, playwright, lawyer, and Risorgimento politician. He is best known for his poems in the Piedmontese dialect, which celebrated common life and the ideals of freedom. His figure embodies the lively and rebellious spirit of Monferrato.

Canelli, ultimately, is a place of fascinating contrasts: the light of the UNESCO vineyards and the darkness of the Cathedrals, the violence of the siege and the joy of the festivals, the scent of history and the intoxicating aroma of sparkling wine. A true Piedmontese treasure to discover and... savour!