Piemonte: Discovering the Gavi region: Forts, Castles, and Private Residences of Alessandria

The Private Residences Unveiled

• Tenuta La Marchesa
  The villa, built in the second half of the 18th century expanding a 17th-century pre-existing structure, is a rare example of a residence that has preserved the original 76 hectares of its estate, as they were in 1750, with gardens, a vineyard, woods, and a lake – one of the largest agricultural estates in Gavi.
  The interior retains its original representative rooms with typical doorways, and houses important collections of 18th-century paintings, porcelain, furniture, carpets, and prints, as well as a collection of furs and walking sticks with corkscrews. The estate also features a consecrated chapel, a lemon house containing a museum of rural civilization, and a 17th-century cellar.
• Castello di Rocca Grimalda
  Built atop a rocky spur, this castle is situated in a strategically important location, between the Oltregiogo region of Ovada and the Alessandria plain, once an area of strong contrasts between Monferrato and Liguria. The castle’s construction developed over the centuries around its massive circular tower, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Initially part of the Malaspina family’s fief, it was transformed into a noble residence by the Trotti family around the mid-15th century. In 1570, it was purchased by the Grimaldi family, illustrious Genoese patricians, who lived there for over 200 years. They completed the castle’s construction with a majestic western façade, recently restored, and a garden overlooking the valley.

The Sites Involved

• Fort of Gavi
  Descending toward the entrance, one almost feels as if heading into a magical grotto: carved into the rock, the fort extends from the mountain with walls over 20 meters high, plunging steeply into the void. On the internal and external walls of the fort, you can see the layers of living rock merging with the structure, as well as the marks left on the sandstone by the builders’ chisels.
• Tenuta La Marchesa and Castello di Rocca Grimalda

Travel Storytelling
A full day to discover the hidden gems of this fascinating area: we begin with the massive and imposing Fort of Gavi. Then we’ll explore charming small villages and the magnificent wine estates of the region: from Tenuta La Marchesa to discover an ancient, charming residence amidst the unique panorama of its vineyards, to the enchanting Castello di Rocca Grimalda, where a wine tasting and guided tour with the property await! A typical lunch of the region will be served during the excursion.

Information and Pricing

• Full-day Tour
• Price per person: € 98.00 – children: € 65.00
• The tour is conducted in Italian. Please inquire in advance for other languages

The price includes:

• Round-trip travel by private coach (from and to Turin)
• Highway and parking fees
• Assistance from an escort
• Guided tours of the two estates with the property present
• Wine tasting
• Lunch
• Insurance

For information and reservations: piemonte@adsi.it (reference #SW2407).