One of the most important archaeological sites in Northern Italy is located in our territory, the ancient Roman city of Libarna, founded in the 2nd century BC along the Via Postumia, the road that connected Genoa and Aquileia.

An ideal starting point for another itinerary to discover this corner of Piedmont, the tour will satisfy not only history and architecture enthusiasts, who can range from the archaeological excavations to the majestic Forte di Gavi, but will not disappoint wine tourists either, because this is the origin of the other white jewel of this area, bearing the same name as the town over which the fortress stands. The result of a vine that has its roots in marine tufa and breathes the air of the Apennines, Gavi has very ancient origins, but only in the last twenty-five years has it gained DOCG status and international fame. It was the Ligurian aristocracy who elected this grape as the ‘court berry’, hence the name Cortese, and since then they have spread its cultivation to create an elegant white wine worthy of accompanying the dishes of the lords of Genoa based on fish, lean meats and vegetables, which still characterise the cuisine of these places.

A visit to the hills alternates between vine-growing landscapes and elegant residences, many of which remind the traveller how much the Ligurian nobles liked these areas, making them the destination of their summer holidays. The Genoese heart of this part of QuartoPiemonte is clearly visible in the “palazzi picti” of the beautiful Via Girardengo in Novi Ligure, and in the culinary traditions, starting with the extraordinary chickpea farinata, a preparation of peasant origin which, together with focaccia, rivals those of Genoa in terms of goodness. Chocolate, on the other hand, with its incredible gianduiotti, cremini and nocciolati, alludes to the Piedmontese soul of this pretty town. And in this case the competition is really tough: Crema Novi or Nutella? Fearless travellers will have to decide.