Neive

Welcome to Neive: a small medieval town in the heart of the Langhe

Welcome to Neive, a town of 3,324 inhabitants located in the stunning region of Piedmont in north-west Italy. Neive is situated in the province of Cuneo and is surrounded by the wonderful vineyard-covered landscape of the Langhe. The historic center of Neive reflects its medieval layout and is considered a true gem by anyone who loves art, culture, and architecture.

The geographic location of Neive

Neive covers an area of 31.21 square kilometers and is located in the north-eastern part of the province of Cuneo. Neive borders the province of Asti and is just a few kilometers from the major cities of the region, such as Alba, Cuneo, and Asti.

Neive: Medieval treasure in the Langhe region.

The history of Neive: from the Romans to the Italian Republic

The gens Naevia, a noble Roman family, founded Neive around 100 BC. Neive quickly became an important Roman settlement and was crossed by the Via Aemilia Scauri. In the Middle Ages, Neive was equipped with a fortified castle that was destroyed in 1274. A monastery was built in the 10th century by Benedictine monks, who belonged to the Abbey of Santa Croce. In the 11th and 13th centuries, the Neive fiefdom was divided among some local lords, particularly the De Revello family. It was contested between Asti and Alba; however, in 1242, Asti ensured the definitive possession of Neive and permanently included it in its territorial framework. In 1531 Neive, together with the County of Asti, was annexed to the Duchy of Savoy and became part of the Astesana Captaincy. It returned to the Savoy in 1560 and was split from the province of Asti to be incorporated into that of Alba. In 1800, within the framework of the Cisalpine Republic, it obtained the recognition of "Municipality". It returned to the Savoy in 1814 and followed the historical events of the house until the establishment of the Italian Republic.

The symbols of Neive

The coat of arms of Neive was recognized by decree of the head of government on July 14, 1936 and is composed of a shield on which a lion and four crosses are represented. The standard is a white cloth.

The places of interest in Neive

The historic center of Neive is the best place to discover the medieval charm of this town. Observing the historic center of Neive, one can notice several vestiges of the fortified enclosure, despite the castle having been destroyed during the wars between Asti and Alba. The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, located in the historic center, is another place to visit to admire local art and architecture.

Neive is waiting for you!

Neive is a hidden gem among the hills of the Langhe and an experience not to be missed for anyone visiting the Piedmont region. Come and discover the medieval beauty and cultural heritage of Neive, immersed in the breathtaking landscape of the Langhe. You won't regret it!

Irene Mariani
Wrote by Irene Mariani
Updated Thursday, Mar 31, 2022