Neive (Italy) – Attractions, Things to do, Restaurants, Complete Travel Guide

Neive is a beautiful medieval village located in the heart of the Langhe area, in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. The village is known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and delicious cuisine, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.

Neive is situated in the rolling hills of the Langhe area, which is famous for its vineyards and wineries. The village itself is surrounded by picturesque vineyards, which produce some of the world’s finest wines, including Barolo, Barbaresco, and Moscato d’Asti.

One of the most distinctive features of Neive is its medieval architecture, which has been beautifully preserved over the centuries. The village’s narrow streets are lined with historic buildings, including the beautiful 13th-century castle, which was once home to the powerful Bishops of Asti.

In the center of Neive, you’ll find the Piazza Italia, the heart of the village’s social life. Here, you can sit outside at one of the many cafes and restaurants, sipping a glass of local wine while watching the world go by.

Neive is also home to a number of great restaurants, serving traditional Piedmontese cuisine made with the finest local ingredients. One of the most famous dishes from the area is “tajarin,” a type of pasta made with egg yolks, which is typically served with a rich meat sauce.

If you’re looking for something sweet, you must try the local “torta di nocciole,” a delicious hazelnut cake that’s a specialty of the region.

Neive is also a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside, which is dotted with charming villages, vineyards, and wineries. The village is located just a short drive from the historic city of Alba, famous for its truffles, and the stunning hilltop village of Barolo, which is home to some of the world’s most famous wineries.

Neive – Things to do

Neive, Italy is a charming medieval village located in the heart of the Piedmont region, known for its beautiful architecture, delicious food, and excellent wines. Here are some of the best things to do in Neive:

1. Visit the historic center: Take a stroll through the narrow streets of Neive’s historic center to admire the beautiful medieval architecture, such as the 13th-century castle, the Bell Tower, and the Church of San Pietro. You can also visit the Civic Tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and hills.
2. Enjoy the local food: Neive is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes traditional Piedmontese dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. You can try local specialties such as tajarin (a type of pasta), carne cruda (raw beef), and truffles. You can also enjoy some of the local wines, including Barbaresco and Barolo.
3. Explore the countryside: Neive is surrounded by beautiful vineyards and hills, making it a perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside. You can go on a wine tasting tour or visit nearby villages such as Barolo and Alba. You can also go hiking or cycling in the beautiful countryside.
4. Attend a local festival: Neive is known for its lively festivals, including the famous Palio degli Asini, a medieval festival that takes place every September, where participants compete in donkey races. Other festivals include the Barbaresco Wine Festival, the Alba Truffle Fair, and the Chocolate Festival in Turin.
5. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art: If you’re interested in art, you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, which showcases works by some of the most important Italian artists of the 20th century.
6. Wine Tasting: Neive is surrounded by beautiful vineyards, making it the perfect place for wine tasting. Some of the best wineries in the region are located in and around Neive, such as Produttori del Barbaresco, Bruno Giacosa, and Gaja.
7. Food: Neive is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes traditional Piedmontese dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. You can try local specialties such as tajarin, carne cruda, and truffles.
8. Hiking and Cycling: The surrounding countryside is beautiful and perfect for outdoor activities. You can go hiking or cycling in the hills and vineyards surrounding Neive.

Neive History

Neive is a small medieval village located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. The origins of the village date back to the Roman times, as evidence of a Roman settlement has been found in the area. In the Middle Ages, Neive was an important center for agriculture, wine production, and trade, due to its strategic location along the trade routes between Turin, Milan, and Genoa.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the village was under the rule of the Visconti family, who commissioned the construction of the castle and fortified walls that still stand today. In the 16th century, the village passed under the rule of the Savoy family, who turned Neive into a strategic military outpost.

Over the centuries, Neive underwent several transformations, but it has managed to preserve its original medieval architecture, which is evident in its narrow, winding streets and the many historic buildings that have been preserved. In the 19th century, Neive became an important wine-producing area, and it’s still one of the top wine regions in Italy, known for its Barbaresco and Moscato wines.

Today, Neive is a charming village that offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with its many historic buildings, narrow alleys, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Its rich history and culture, combined with its excellent food and wine scene, make Neive a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the authentic Italian lifestyle.

 

 

Best Restaurants in Neive – Dining Options

Neive, Italy is a foodie’s paradise, with a variety of excellent restaurants and world-renowned wines. Here are some of the best restaurants and wineries in Neive:

Restaurants:

1. Osteria Veglio: This is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers traditional Piedmontese cuisine with a modern twist. The menu changes seasonally, and the restaurant has an extensive wine list featuring local wines.
2. La Luna nel Pozzo: This is a family-run restaurant that serves authentic local cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. The menu features dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, and the wine list includes a variety of local wines.
3. Trattoria Risorgimento: This is a traditional Piedmontese trattoria that offers classic dishes such as tajarin, carne cruda, and bagna cauda. The restaurant has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and the prices are very reasonable.

Wineries in Neive

1. Produttori del Barbaresco: This is a famous winery located just outside of Neive, known for producing some of the best Barbaresco wines in the world. The winery offers tastings and tours, and you can also buy their wines directly from the cellar.
2. Bruno Giacosa: This is another famous winery located near Neive, known for its Barolo and Barbaresco wines. The winery offers tastings and tours, and you can buy their wines in their on-site shop.
3. Gaja: This is one of the most famous wineries in Italy, located just a short drive from Neive. Gaja produces some of the best Barbaresco and Barolo wines in the world, and the winery offers tastings and tours by appointment only.

Overall, Neive is a beautiful and charming village that offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in food, wine, art, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Neive is a must-visit destination in Italy.

How to reach Neive by train, bus, car and plane

Neive is located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, and there are several ways to reach the village:

1. By car: Neive is easily accessible by car from major cities in the region, such as Turin, Milan, and Genoa. The village is located about an hour and a half from Turin and about two hours from Milan and Genoa. There are several parking areas available in the village.
2. By train: The closest train station to Neive is in Alba, which is about 9 km (5.6 miles) away. From Alba, you can take a bus or taxi to Neive. The train journey from Turin to Alba takes about an hour and a half.
3. By bus: There are several bus companies that offer services to Neive from nearby towns and cities, including Alba, Asti, and Turin. The journey time and schedules vary depending on the departure location.
4. By plane: The closest airports to Neive are Turin Caselle Airport and Milan Malpensa Airport. From the airports, you can rent a car or take a train or bus to reach Neive.

 

Neive Tour – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Neive, Italy:

1. What is Neive known for? Neive is known for its medieval architecture, delicious cuisine, and excellent wines. It’s a charming village located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.
2. What are some must-try dishes in Neive? Some of the must-try dishes in Neive include tajarin (handmade egg noodles), carne cruda (raw beef), bagna cauda (a warm dip made with garlic, anchovies, and olive oil), and truffles.
3. What are the best wineries to visit in Neive? Some of the best wineries to visit in Neive include Produttori del Barbaresco, Bruno Giacosa, and Gaja.
4. What is the best time to visit Neive? The best time to visit Neive is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the fall season (September-November) is also a great time to visit, as it’s harvest season and there are many food and wine festivals happening.
5. How do I get to Neive? Neive is accessible by car, train, bus, and plane. The closest train station is in Alba, and the closest airports are Turin Caselle Airport and Milan Malpensa Airport.
6. What are some popular attractions in Neive? Some popular attractions in Neive include the historic center, the Civic Tower, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the many wineries in the surrounding countryside. Additionally, the village hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Palio degli Asini and the Barbaresco Wine Festival

 

Overall, Neive is well-connected to other parts of the region, and there are several transportation options available to reach the village. Whether you prefer to travel by car, train, bus, or plane, you can easily reach Neive and enjoy its charming atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.

How many days to stay in Neive, Italy

The amount of time to spend in Neive, Italy depends on your travel preferences and interests. If you’re looking to explore the village and its surroundings, and enjoy its food and wine, I would recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Neive. This will allow you to visit some of the top wineries, enjoy some of the local cuisine, and explore the historic center and its attractions.

If you have more time, you can also explore the surrounding towns and cities, such as Alba and Asti, which are known for their food and wine scenes as well. You can also go on a day trip to Turin or even the Ligurian coast, both of which are easily accessible by car or train.

Ultimately, the amount of time you spend in Neive depends on your travel goals and itinerary. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a longer stay exploring the region, Neive offers plenty of options to suit your needs.

 

Day trip to Neive

If you’re planning a day trip to Neive, it’s best to stay in one of the nearby towns that offer easy access to the village. Some of the best towns to stay in include:

1. Alba: Alba is a charming town located just a 15-minute drive from Neive. It’s known for its truffles and chocolate, and it offers many accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly B&Bs to luxury hotels.
2. Barbaresco: Barbaresco is a small town located just a few minutes’ drive from Neive. It’s known for its wine, and it offers many accommodation options, including vineyard guesthouses and small hotels.
3. Asti: Asti is a larger town located about 30 minutes’ drive from Neive. It’s known for its sparkling wine and medieval architecture, and it offers many accommodation options, including budget-friendly B&Bs and luxury hotels.

All of these towns offer easy access to Neive and the surrounding area, making them a great choice for a day trip. However, if you have the time, it’s also worth considering staying in Neive itself to fully experience the village’s charm and tranquility.

 

Neive – Pictures

Best places to stay in Neive

Here are some of the best places to stay in Neive:

1. Palazzo di Guiglia: This elegant 4-star hotel is located in a restored 18th-century building in the heart of Neive’s historic center. The hotel features spacious rooms with antique furniture and original frescoes, a panoramic terrace with views of the surrounding countryside, and a gourmet restaurant that serves traditional Piedmontese cuisine.
2. Dimora San Sebastiano: This charming bed and breakfast is located in a renovated 17th-century building in Neive’s historic center. The B&B features comfortable and stylish rooms with antique furniture, a large garden with a pool, and a continental breakfast with homemade pastries and local products.
3. Cà ‘d Gnese: This rustic bed and breakfast is located in a restored farmhouse on the outskirts of Neive. The B&B features spacious rooms with a rustic charm, a large garden with a pool, and a homemade breakfast with local products.
4. Villa Lauri: This elegant villa is located just a few minutes’ drive from Neive, surrounded by vineyards and hills. The villa features stylish and spacious rooms with antique furniture, a large garden with a pool, and a homemade breakfast with local products.
5. La Giolitta: This cozy bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Neive’s historic center. The B&B features comfortable rooms with a simple and elegant design, a shared lounge, and a homemade breakfast with local products.

All of these accommodations offer a unique and authentic experience of Neive and the surrounding area, with a mix of traditional charm and modern comfort.