VISITING WINERIES AMONG THE UNESCO INFERNOTS

Day 1

Arrive to Cella Monte. Walking along the narrow streets of the village, which takes on the appearance of an open-air museum, visitors will notice the presence of shells in the walls. They were positioned there by nature, as this area was once filled with sea and the hills of Monferrato were its archipelagos. As the water withdrew, the sandstone remained and it was used to build houses, buildings and infernots, now classified UNESCO heritage site. These underground chambers dug into the sandstone called Pietra da cantoni, thanks to the special geological characteristics of this soil of sea origin, keep the temperature and humidity constant and were used as additional space to the cellar to store food. They are the precious inheritance of the peasant tradition, small hidden treasures recognized as
heritage site.
The visit of the Ecomuseum of Pietra da Cantone will be followed by a visit to an historic winery and its private infernot. Wine tasting included.
Free time to discover the infernots of the area.
Dinner in trattoria (beverages excluded) and overnight accommodation in agriturismo /b&b

Day 2

After breakfast free time to discover other infernots or to visit the Marian Sanctuary of Serralunga di Crea, one of the UNESCO Sacred Mountains. The Sacred Mountain of Crea is a site of ancient Marian devotion and is composed by the Sanctuary, 23 chapels and 5 hermitages. The most spectacular is Chapel 23 the "Coronation of the Virgin", commonly called "Il Paradiso" (Paradise) which dates back to 1958: it is the highest chapel of the Sacred Mountain and its interior features figures which are hanging and frescoed on the vault, about 300 in all, work of the Flemish artist Nicola De Wespin. To follow, visit and tasting in winery to discover the top wines of the area accompanied by a platter of local products.