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Exploring the labyrinth of Balme is an exciting experience that requires a minimum of preparation and a spirit of adventure. The route features narrow tunnels, passageways that open into large natural chambers, and paths that wind deep into the heart of the mountain. Some sections of the labyrinth are easily accessible even for beginners, while others require the accompaniment of expert guides and specific equipment​.

During the exploration, you can observe the incredible rock formations and the traces left by time and water. The walls of the cave tell stories of millennia of erosion, while the echo of footsteps and the deep silence create a unique atmosphere.

The labyrinth of Balme is also a perfect destination for families and school groups. Guided tours are available, organized by expert speleologists who accompany visitors on a safe journey filled with information about the geology and history of the labyrinth. During the tour, you can learn how the tunnels were formed, what creatures inhabit the caves, and the legends surrounding this fascinating place.​

For younger visitors, workshops and educational activities are organized, turning the experience into an opportunity for learning and fun. These programs offer an introduction to speleology, teaching the basics of underground exploration in an interactive and engaging way.

Balme is located about 60 kilometers from Turin, easily accessible by car or public transport. The labyrinth is located near the village, and the entrance is well signposted. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and trekking shoes and to bring a flashlight and a waterproof jacket, as the interior of the caves can be cool and damp.

The underground labyrinth of Balme is much, much more than just a place to explore! It is an adventure that stimulates the imagination and offers the opportunity to discover a hidden side of Piedmont. Whether you are passionate about speleology or simply looking for a unique experience, this place will leave you breathless. The combination of mystery, history, and nature makes the labyrinth of Balme an unmissable destination for anyone who loves to venture off the beaten path.

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Grotta Gino is particularly beloved by cavers thanks to the variety of paths it offers. Some of the tunnels are easily accessible even for beginners, while others require specialized equipment and advanced skills. Although not among the largest caves in Piedmont, it still offers an adventurous and stimulating experience for those who want to explore the underground, and for those wishing to explore it safely, specialized guides are available to accompany visitors along the most fascinating routes of the cave. During the visit, you can admire the natural formations created by water and discover how the underground environment is continuously evolving, shaped by ancient geological phenomena​

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Grotta Gino is located in Moncalieri, not far from Turin, and is reachable by car following the directions for the Turin hills. The cave is visitable all year round, but it is advisable to book your visit in advance, especially if you wish to participate in a guided tour. During the visit, it is necessary to bring appropriate equipment, such as helmets and torches, as the interior of the cave is completely dark and some areas may be slippery.

For those not used to spelunking, the cave also offers simpler paths suitable for families and groups of friends looking for an unusual experience. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers wishing to discover the secrets of the underground world​

Outings in Piedmont

Exploring Grotta Gino means immersing yourself in an extraordinary natural environment, far from the frenzy of everyday life. It is a place that will transport you to another dimension, where time seems to stop and silence reigns supreme. Perfect for an adventurous outing, the cave is an experience that combines nature, geology, and history in a perfect mix for those looking for something different from the usual.

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The museum is divided into various thematic sections, each exploring a specific aspect of architecture. Among the most fascinating exhibitions are the scale models of ancient buildings in Garessio and its surroundings, showcasing construction details and techniques used for building in mountainous areas. Another section is dedicated to modern architecture, with models of buildings that marked the 20th century, highlighting the dialogue between tradition and innovation.

The Archibuseum also offers insights into sustainable architecture and green building with exhibits that illustrate new eco-friendly construction techniques—a topic of increasing importance in an era of climate change and the search for a more sustainable future.​

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In addition to visiting the permanent collection, the Archibuseum organizes workshops and educational activities for children and young people, where they can learn the basics of architecture and design through games and building activities. These workshops are particularly appreciated by local schools and offer a unique opportunity to introduce young people to the world of architecture.

For adults and enthusiasts, the museum offers workshops and meetings with industry experts to discuss topics such as sustainable urban planning and the challenges of contemporary architecture. The periodic events and conferences organized at the Archibuseum make this museum a cultural hub and a place for community exchange​.

Day Trips in Piedmont

The Archibuseum is located in Garessio, a picturesque village in the Maritime Alps, and is easily accessible by car from Turin, Cuneo, and Savona. Its location in the mountains makes visiting the museum even more enchanting, offering the opportunity to explore the surroundings and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

If you love architecture or are simply curious to discover how villages and mountain houses in Piedmont were built, the Archibuseum is a must-visit. It is a place that inspires and invites reflection, showcasing how the art of building has evolved over time while maintaining a deep connection to the land. A visit to the Archibuseum is a journey into the history of architecture and a tribute to human ingenuity, capable of creating resilient and harmonious structures even under the most adverse conditions.

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One of the most entertaining aspects of the Upside-Down House is that it offers an endless array of photographic opportunities. Visitors often enjoy taking photos in creative poses, simulating the effect of “falling” from the house or being suspended in mid-air. Play with your camera too; it will make your visit an interactive and engaging experience!

Additionally, the structure has become a social media landmark, with many users sharing their unusual photos on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, contributing to making the Upside-Down House one of the most iconic attractions in the area.

The Upside-Down House is located about 15 minutes from the center of Turin and is easily accessible by car or public transport. Once you arrive in Beinasco, the installation is clearly visible and situated in an area that allows for a peaceful and pleasant visit.

The Upside-Down House is the perfect place if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary: an attraction that combines art, architecture, and fun, offering an experience that will challenge your perception and sense of balance. This house is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience something truly unconventional in Piedmont!

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Piedmontese mixed boiled meat is a typical winter dish, perfect for the cold months. From November to March, it takes center stage on Piedmontese tables and at numerous dedicated festivals. The Fiera del Bue Grasso in Carrù, held every December, is one of the most famous events where the dish is served in all its traditional glory.

One of the guardians of tradition is the Confraternity of Mixed Boiled Meat and Madernassa Pear, an association founded in Guarene to promote mixed boiled meat and other local excellences. The confraternity is committed to preserving the culture of mixed boiled meat and organizes events and meetings involving gastronomy enthusiasts from all over Italy.

Mixed boiled meat is characterized by the use of various cuts of Fassona Piedmontese beef, a breed known for its tender and flavorful meat. The cuts used include:

Priest’s hat
Muscle
Head
Tongue
Tail
Brisket

Optionally, cotechino and chicken (or hen) can be added to further enrich the dish. I also include a portion of tripe, which makes it very tasty and gives the broth a denser, “sticky” texture, perfect for making jelly.

The traditional recipe for Piedmontese mixed boiled meat involves slow cooking in an aromatic vegetable broth. Below is the complete recipe.

Ingredients for 6 people:

1 kg of Fassona beef (muscle, priest’s hat, tongue, head)
1 cotechino
1/2 chicken
1 onion
1 carrot
1 celery stalk
Cloves
Bay leaf
Salt and peppercorns

Procedure:

Fill a pot with water and add onion, carrot, celery, cloves, and bay leaf.
Immerse the meat and cook slowly for 2-3 hours. (Sometimes I let it cook for 5 or 6 hours…on a wood stove).
Add the chicken and cotechino in the last hour of cooking.
Serve the boiled meat piping hot, accompanied by green sauce, mustard, and typical Piedmontese sauces.

In essence: if you want excellent boiled meat, immerse the meat when the water boils, so it seals immediately; if you want excellent broth, immerse it in cold water to release all its juices!

In recent years, some chefs have reinterpreted mixed boiled meat with a modern twist, introducing innovative recipes. Among the most appreciated ideas are:

Gourmet mini portions of boiled meat, served with Barolo reduction or mustard sauce.
Light boiled meat, with lean cuts of Fassona accompanied by steamed vegetables.
These variations allow for enjoying boiled meat in lighter, more modern versions without losing the authentic flavor of tradition.

The festivals and events dedicated to mixed boiled meat are numerous, especially in winter. The Fiera del Bue Grasso in Carrù is the most important event, but other festivals like the Sagra del Bollito in Moncalvo attract enthusiasts from all over Italy, offering the chance to enjoy mixed boiled meat in all its variations.

Piedmontese mixed boiled meat is much more than just a dish; it is a symbol of Piedmont’s gastronomic tradition, a dish that tells the story of the territory and its people. With its modern variations and presence at local festivals, mixed boiled meat continues to be loved and celebrated throughout Piedmont.

Historically, Barolo Chinato has been used for its medicinal properties, particularly as a digestive and remedy for seasonal ailments, thanks to cinchona, which has febrifuge and digestive properties.

After its creation, Barolo Chinato gained popularity in the Langhe region and throughout Piedmont. Its combination of medicinal properties and refined taste made it appreciated both as a remedy and as a tasting wine.

Furthermore, over the years, Barolo Chinato has also gained recognition abroad! It is appreciated throughout Europe and even in the United States and Asia, where it is seen as a luxury wine and a symbol of refined Italian winemaking craftsmanship.

The production of Barolo Chinato has largely remained artisanal. Each producer uses their own secret recipe of herbs and spices, passed down from generation to generation.

The quality of the Barolo used as a base is crucial: only Barolo DOCG, made from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Langhe hills, can be used. The choice of herbs and spices, passed down by each producer through generations, is equally essential to ensure the desired aromatic profile.

Being a niche product, Barolo Chinato tends to have higher prices compared to other fortified wines, but the cost broadly reflects the quality of the ingredients and the labor-intensive production process.

– Digestive and meditation wine: Barolo Chinato continues to be appreciated as an after-dinner digestive, and its complexity makes it ideal for slow, contemplative tasting.

– Culinary pairings: it is particularly suited to dark chocolate, chocolate-based desserts, spiced desserts, and aged or blue cheeses. Modern chefs also use it to create innovative pairings in tasting menus.

– Cocktails: recently, some mixologists have started using Barolo Chinato in cocktails, leveraging its aromatic complexity to create sophisticated drinks.

In the Langhe, guided tours of wineries producing Barolo Chinato are an important part of wine tourism! You can taste different variations of the wine and learn about its history and production process.

While staying true to its origins, Barolo Chinato has evolved and adapted to the contemporary market. Its artisanal production, the quality of the ingredients, and the complexity of its taste make it a unique wine in the global wine scene. Today, it is appreciated not only as a traditional digestive but also as a versatile element in modern gastronomy and cocktails, continuing to represent a significant part of Piedmont’s cultural and winemaking heritage.

Taste it as soon as you can; it will surprise you, and you won’t be able to resist taking a bottle home!