Govone
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
To reach Govone, one can take advantage of different ways: by car via the motorway network, the village is served by the (Asti-Cuneo) with an exit at Govone; the local railway station connects the village to the Turin-Alessandria-Alba line. The airports of reference are Turin Caselle and Cuneo Levaldigi, about 60 and 50 km away respectively; connections continue by bus and local transport services..
Introduction
Govone is a village located on the left bank of the Tanaro river, in the province of Cuneo, within the geographical region of Roero and bordering on Monferrato. Its strategic position, halfway between Alba and Asti, has historically favoured trade and communications since Roman times. The typical landscape is hilly, characterised by vineyards and hazelnut groves that shape the territory, included in the UNESCO World Heritage area together with Langhe and Monferrato.
Description
The presence of an ancient tombstone testifies to the long settlement history of the place, mentioned as 'Villa Govoni' as early as 861. Over time, the feud passed from the possession of the bishop of Asti to the Rodolfo di Govone and then to the Solaro family, maintaining relevance even in the Savoy era. From 1682, the Savoys obtained vast plots of land in Govone and, after the death of the last of the Solaro family, the castle passed to the royal patrimony to be finally purchased by the municipality at the end of the 19th century. The historic centre retains traces of its medieval defensive vocation, with walls and fortifications still visible.
The royal castle, part of the Savoy Residences circuit and now a Unesco heritage site, dominates the town and is surrounded by a large park, English-style gardens and a charming rose garden. The village is noted for its production of fine wines, in particular Barbera, Nebbiolo and Arneis, which are also the focus of agricultural activities. Famous for its Christmas event 'Il Magico Paese di Natale' (The Magic Christmas Village), Govone attracts thousands of visitors every year for its markets and initiatives dedicated to local traditions. The calendar is enriched with other festivities and events linked to the peasant culture, such as the Hazelnut Fair.
Hikers will find numerous paths through the countryside in Govone: there are nature trails that allow you to explore the hills and the Tanaro valley on foot or by bicycle. Routes such as the 'Ponte del Re' (10 km, approx. 2h30') or the tour between Cadiliano and San Pietro (5-6 km, 1h30'-2h) allow you to discover panoramic viewpoints and historical testimonies such as the Gerotte Mill. The natural setting offers opportunities for botanical observations and moments of relaxation, also thanks to the care of the public green spaces..
Information
Area: 19 km²
Altitude: 246m
Maximum elevation: 349m -
Number of inhabitants: 2.234 (as of 2024)
Name in dialect: Govon
Inhabitant name: govonesi
Patron Saint: St. John the Baptist (also known as San Giovanni Decollato)
Bordering municipalities: Castagnito, Castagnole delle Lanze, Magliano Alfieri, Priocca, San Damiano d'Asti, San Martino Alfieri
Website: www.comune.govone.cn.it