Pollenzo
Pollenzo: a dive into history and wine and food culture
If you're looking for a place that embodies history, culture, great food, and breathtaking landscapes, Pollenzo might just be the perfect destination for you. It's a hamlet in the municipality of Bra, in the province of Cuneo, with ancient origins. The Roman city of ''Pollentia'', already mentioned by Pliny the Elder, was founded in the 2nd century BC and was the setting of the famous Battle of Pollenzo, in which the Visigothic troops were defeated by the Romans. But what we can admire today is the transformation promoted by King Carlo Alberto of Savoy between 1832 and 1848, when the village took its current form and the Castle of Pollenzo was built.
The Castle of Pollenzo: a historic gem
The Castle of Pollenzo is certainly one of the most popular tourist attractions in this small Piedmontese hamlet. It's an impressive neogothic structure that today houses a luxurious hotel, but it also hides another attraction: the University of Gastronomic Sciences, managed under the aegis of Slow Food.
Wine and food culture in Pollenzo: an unmissable experience
Given its location in the heart of Monferrato, Pollenzo has always been a fertile ground for the production of high-quality wines. Here, you can find some of the most prestigious wineries in Italy, producing fine wines such as Barolo, Barbaresco, and Nebbiolo. But that's not all: the cuisine is another great protagonist of Pollenzo and its surrounding area. Here, you can taste typical dishes of Piedmontese tradition, such as agnolotti del plin, bagna caoda or brasato al Barolo, accompanied by refined wines.
The University of Gastronomic Sciences: a hub for food enthusiasts
The University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, founded in 2004, is a sort of paradise for food and wine enthusiasts. Here, students can deepen their knowledge about food and its history, wine production and tasting, and also interact with professionals of the sector and participate in many culinary events and tastings.
What to see in Pollenzo
Besides the Castle of Pollenzo, this hamlet offers many cultural and historical attractions. In particular, the Church of San Vittore deserves a visit, containing numerous valuable artworks. The Access Gate, on the other hand, was one of the symbols of the Roman city of ''Pollentia'' and is now an evocative historical monument.
If you're looking for a place where you can immerse yourself in an ancient and romantic atmosphere, rich in wine and food excellence and vitality, Pollenzo is definitely a destination to consider. Come and discover this Piedmontese village and let yourself be enchanted by its history, culture, and gastronomy.
