Famous for its Robiola, a cheese produced on the uncultivated hills of the Asti Langa. The only goat cheese in Italy to have obtained the Protected Designation of Origin and the only one worthy of confronting the famous cheeses from beyond the Alps... #tuttitaly
Roccaverano is a tiny village perched on a high hill in the Langa Astigiana, consisting of a small grouping of houses that develops around the main square.
History
The village's history is closely linked to its position, which allows it to dominate the first stretch of the Bormida Valley, which is why it was often occupied by the various powers that competed for dominion over the Apennine passes.
Between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Roccaverano became a land of clashes between the European powers and was occupied first by the Spaniards, then by the French, to finally enter the Kingdom of Savoy and follow its events until the unification of Italy.
What to see
In the town's main square, you can see the imposing remains of the Castle, dominated by a large Circular Tower. Of the castle, only the wall that occupies one side of the square remains. In the inner part of the wall, there is a balcony that allows you to look out over the yard from three mullioned windows and enjoy a suggestive perspective.
The Tower, about 35 m high, with a circumference of over 26 m, is built in sandstone. While in the past it had a defensive function, today it is intended to offer you a breathtaking 360 ° view of the surrounding territories.
Between the castle and the tower, you will find a park to stop and immerse yourself in its silence or have your packed lunch.
Also on the square, the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata overlooks, the construction of which is due to Enrico Bruno, a native bishop of Roccaverano, who at the
beginning of the 16th century was treasurer of Pope Julius II, and who seems to have managed to convince Bramante, one of the most important Renaissance artists, to design this building.
In ancient times, however, the true parish church of Roccaverano was the Church of San Giovanni Battista, located at the foot of the hill leading to the town, a few meters from the cemetery. Between 1000 and 1200, the inhabited center of the city was located right in the area where the building above is located.
Later, with the construction of the Castle, the inhabitants moved to the top of the hill for more excellent safety.
Robiola
Most visitors to Roccaverano are interested in discovering where Robiola di Roccaverano is produced. Recently the Roccaverano School was inaugurated in the old elementary school of the town, in Piazza Barbero: a genuine cultural gastronomic site.
Here you can organize visits to farms that allow you to discover the farming techniques and the secrets of the production of robiola.
Demonstrations
On the last Sunday of June, the Carrettesca Fair is set up, an occasion in which all the producers of Robiola D.o.p. meet, and the best cheese is awarded.
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