What to do and see in Cocconato d’Asti, a gem of Monferrato in Piedmont

In a world where mass tourism is increasingly pressing, quickly transforming small corners of paradise into locations overflowing with visitors all year round, a few tourists stand out - perhaps the most demanding ones, in a way - in search of a special destination to travel at a slow and sustainable pace, to discover the beauties of tradition, fascinating villages and evocative natural landscapes resembling paintings. One of these destinations is Monferrato and today our journey takes us to Cocconato d'Asti.

This enchanting village in Piedmont is a true concentration of the most authentic local culture, places where the most beautiful historical traditions still survive today with all their involvement, for example let’s think about the iconic Donkeys Palio, and where to find excellent products of the territory, among all in particular wines and cheeses. So, let's not waste time and let's set off together right away discovering what to do and see in Cocconato d'Asti, our journey in this gem of Monferrato begins!

Here we are, finally traveling through the wonders of Piedmont, an ideal adventure to discover extraordinary villages and places such as Cocconato, an iconic village in Monferrato between the provinces of Asti (of which it belongs from an administrative point of view) and Turin, the magical capital of the region.

The best means of transport to reach Cocconato d'Asti is the car, with the possibility of moving easily whether you start from Asti (SP 458, about 29 km and 35 minutes) or from Turin (SS 10, SP 119, about 40 km and 60 minutes). Alternatively, there are also some buses that connect Asti and Cocconato.

Later in this article we will discover together what to do and see in Cocconato d'Asti, an unmissable stop on your journey through this splendid region in Northern Italy. However, first of all, we suggest you take a look below checking out all the advantages of the Turin + Piedmont Card, an exclusive pass to guarantee you a discount on access to the most interesting tourist attractions in the area!

Strolling around the alleys and squares of Cocconato d'Asti is like venturing into a fairytale setting, made up of stone-paved streets, houses with colored walls, red roofs, large wooden doors and windows, wonderful floral decorations and tree-lined avenues, suggestive shops and solemn historic buildings full of history and stories. And obviously, a bell tower standing out over the city landscape.

That bell tower belongs to the 1600’s Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione, the most important in Cocconato d'Asti, located in a privileged position high up on a hill in the heart of the village. Despite the small size of the town, there are also other churches to discover in Cocconato: the Church of the SS Trinità (1600’s), the Church of S. Caterina (1700’s) and above all the stupendous Pieve della Madonna della Neve (1200’s), surrounded by vineyards on the top of a hill in the southernmost side of the village, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view.

Walking through the historic center, don't miss the 1400’s Town Hall, with its fascinating Gothic architecture, and the 1500’s Radicati Tower, the last testimony of the ancient city castle and now incorporated into a new building. Among the many shops in Cocconato, also remember to stop by the historic 1700’s Pharmacy!

Cocconato d'Asti and the whole Monferrato are particularly famous and loved destinations especially for their extraordinary landscapes, and obviously for the beautiful experiences to enjoy in touch with nature.

One of these is certainly foliage, that magnificent magic of nature which in autumn transforms the woods and valleys into wonderful palettes of colors from green to yellow, from brown to orange, from bright red to purple, making the scenery of this land extremely romantic and warm. In Cocconato d'Asti you can admire the foliage up close by visiting Parco dell’Alberone, not far from the Pieve, as well as among the vineyards that color the surrounding valleys.

A peculiarity of Cocconato d'Asti is also its interesting nickname, Riviera del Monferrato, due precisely to the particular climate of its territory, milder than the rest of the region, which allows the growth of a vast diversity of trees and plants including also some typical of the seaside, such as olive trees, mimosas and even palm trees!

Within Monferrato and Langhe there are also some wonderful lavender fields to discover, feeling excited by its purple color and above all by the intense scent of this flower, one of the most beautiful and appreciated in the world. Maybe, why not, enjoying a stunning view from the Big Bench, specifically #156, located on the hills south of the village!

Let’s conclude our trip to Cocconato d'Asti by checking out the most iconic and unmissable events of the village, the perfect opportunities to arrange your visit to this hidden gem to discover its beauties - and its delicacies!

One of these events is certainly CoccoWine, a fantastic (and delicious!) fair dedicated to the most renowned and prestigious wines of the rich land of Piedmont, a real multi-day tasting where you can try the best of piedmontese wines, such as Barbera, Nebbiolo and Barolo, and typical products such as prosciutto crudo di Cocconato and robiola di Cocconato. CoccoWine takes place every year in September, usually in the first week.

Staying on the same subject of folk and traditional events here in Cocconato d'Asti, still in September (usually on the fourth Sunday) the famous Donkeys Palio is held, the most important festival in the village officially established in 1970. It is a type of event particularly popular in Piedmont, think for example of the Palio of Alba.

The Donkeys Palio of Cocconato d'Asti consists of a real race starring the donkeys representing the districts of the village, all enclosed in an evocative fairy-tale setting with a rich historical re-enactment inspired by the 1400’s and a procession of knights, ladies and iconic characters of the Middle Ages.

Palio di Cocconato also includes an ancient medieval fair festival and above all a rich feast at the court, set up in the internal courtyard of the evocative gothic Town Hall, where to enjoy a menu rigorously based on that historical age and excellent local products.