Municipality of Govone

The site has been inhabited since Roman times, when it was named Castrum Solarium, as proven by numerous finds preserved at the Eusebio Museum in Alba, and is mentioned in early medieval documents. Formerly a bishopric of Asti, it then passed into the ownership of the Solaro family. It was later used as a holiday residence by the House of Savoy in the early decades of the 19^th century. It is now best known for its castle, where the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau stayed in 1730, when he was just 18 years old and had recently entered the service of Count Francesco Ottavio Solaro. Confiscated by the Crown when the Solaro family died out, the fiefdom of Govone was purchased by  Vittorio Amedeo III, for his sons  Carlo Felice, Duke of Genoa, and Giuseppe Benedetto, Count of Moriana, who were enfeoffed on 24 April 1795 and both invested with the title of count by letters patent dated 29 April 1795. The castle is surrounded by the Park, with its age-old trees, and the Gardens, adorned with flowers and fountains and offering breathtaking views. In spring, the tulips and roses are particularly beautiful. The latter, a legacy of Queen Maria Cristina's passion for this magnificent flower, are cultivated in the rose garden by expert volunteers. Next to the rose garden is the Church of the Holy Spirit, which is now used for events but was once the Royal Chapel, with direct access from the Castle. The church houses works by the artists of Creativamenteroero. Right opposite the Church of the Holy Spirit is the parish church dedicated to Saint Secondus, built in Roman Gothic style, while among the houses and narrow streets you can glimpse the 18^th-century Church of the Beheaded John the Baptist, patron saint of Govone, now converted into a theatre. Just a few metres from these two churches lies the heart of the village, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, which was once the castle's rustic courtyard, overlooked by the carriage houses, stables and servants' quarters. Walking along the walls of the castle and climbing towards it, you come to the monumental entrance with statues of hunting dogs, originally located in the Reggia di Venaria. Every year, during the Christmas period, Govone becomes a point of reference, transforming itself into the “Magical Christmas Village”. This event attracts visitors of all ages, drawn by the magical atmosphere, lights, handicrafts and gastronomic specialities, who can spend a pleasant day steeped in the Christmas spirit. Last but not least, you cannot leave Govone without first sipping a glass of fine wine. The hills are home to vineyards that produce wines such as Barbera d'Alba, Nebbiolo d'Alba, Roero Arneis and many other DOC and DOCG wines typical of Langhe, Monferrato and Roero.