Visiting the Castle of Grinzane Cavour

By Vicky · Published Dec. 10th, 2024

The Castle of Grinzane Cavour is an imposing 12th-century castle with gorgeous views, and visiting is one of the best things to do near Alba.

How do you get to the Castle of Grinzane Cavour?

You have a few options to reach the Castle of Grinzane Cavour.

Driving

Firstly, you can simply drive up to the castle. It’s about 15 minutes from Alba or just over 1 hour from Turin. However, there’s limited parking by the castle and it can be hectic on the nearby roads when everyone is trying to find a spot. The closest parking is paid and quite small. If it’s full, there’s more parking down a side street, or further along the road. It’s best to arrive early in the day to avoid this problem, or park elsewhere and walk (see the option below).

Driving + Walking

Secondly, you can drive to the nearby town of Gallo and walk up to the Castle of Grinzane Cavour (see below). It’s a lovely walk, with a different route up and back down.

Bus or Bus + Walking

Finally, you can take a bus (number 2009) from Alba that stops just outside Grinzane Cavour Castle, but it’s not that frequent. You can plan your route on the GTT website. Alternatively, you can take the more frequent bus to Gallo/Via Garibaldi/Via Pilone Bus Stop and walk from there (see below).

Walking up to the Castle of Grinzane Cavour

This walk can either be done from the castle as a loop, or used to walk up from the small town of Gallo below. Either way, it’s worth it as you get great views of the castle and the surrounding vineyards.

Walking Grinzane Cavour Castle to Gallo

From the castle, walk down the hill to the paid car park. Walk a little bit further on this road and turn right along the side road (where there’s also parking). Continue along this road, and past the last car park. The road becomes a track and you have great views here back to the castle across the vineyard-covered valley.

Keep on walking along the track and you’ll soon be heading downhill towards the small town of Gallo. In not too long you’ll reach a small road on the edge of town. This bends left. Take the first right to walk through the town to the other side.

Walking Gallo to Grinzane Cavour Castle

Head to the southeast corner of Gallo town and you’ll find a track. Walk along here and you’ll soon be among the fields and hazelnut trees. In a little while, the castle will come into view in front of you at the top of the hill. The last section is a little bit steep as you wind up the hillside to the road at the top of the ridge. When you reach the road, head right, then left up to the castle.

Castle of Grinzane Cavour Map

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Nearby Truffle & Wine Tours

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Visiting the Castle of Grinzane Cavour

This castle was built in the 11th century and over time was owned by several Counts of Cavour – the Piedmontese nobility. When you’re visiting the castle, it’s best to do the outside activities in the cooler part of the day. These are the open-air museum and the stroll to the viewpoints, and the longer walk described above. Save the inside Museum and potential wine-tasting and restaurant for the hottest time.

Visit the Museum of Langhe inside the Castle

In the Langhe Museum, you can learn about the history of rural civilization in this region. You’ll see how the local culture, nature, and traditions are all linked. There are also relics and furniture from the time the Counts of Cavour lived here. Additionally, you can explore the grand Historical Rooms of the castle, and there’s also a room dedicated to the famous Alba white truffles.

The free Open Air Museum: In Vigna

A very gentle stroll leads you along the walkway just below the castle. This is part of the In Vigna museum, a free museum about wine growing. There are great views from this area and you can look at real vines while learning how they are pruned, planted, and kept in good shape by the hardworking winegrowers. It’s slightly easy to miss, so make sure to look out for it.

Wine Tasting in the Castle Cellars

In the castle cellars, you’ll find the Regional Wine Shop, or Enoteca Regionale Piemontese Cavour. This shop sells not only fine local wines, but also regional food specialties. You can experience a guided wine tasting, and there are tables in the courtyard where you can sit.

Fine Dining at the Restaurant

Ristorante Alessandro Mecca al Castello di Grinzane Cavour is a fancy restaurant with haute cuisine located in the castle. The ambience is medieval and the views from the windows are great. Book in advance.

Stroll to the Grinzane Cavour Castle Viewpoints

There are two short strolls you can take by the castle, both with great views. The first leads to the official viewpoint along a very easy route. It’s signposted from the castle and takes about 5 minutes to walk there. The other short route leads around the castle through the vineyards, leading from one side of the castle to the other.

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For more walks and hikes, check out our Italy Hiking Page.