History and Places

The charming village of Langa, Montelupo, derives its name from a legend that wolves once inhabited it.
The village is situated at 564 m above sea level, in an ideal location that on clear days affords beautiful panoramic views of the western Alps dominated by the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Monte Viso standing behind the celebrated hills of Barolo.
The village dates from the Thirteenth Century and was under the successive control of the Gonzaga, Mombaruzzo, Malvasia and Ragone families. Among the town’s past inhabitants are the famous architects Carlo Francesco Rangone and his son Carlo Emmanuel, the father and son team behind many churches in the Alba area such as the beautiful parish of Montelupo dedicated to the Assumption, a work of rare beauty and elegance that dates back to 1764. Nearby is the Church of Battuti, a simple and charming Romanesque style building, whose beautiful bell tower in sandstone is a renowned local landmark.
Two kilometers away among the cascading vines rests the country chapel of Our Lady of Riolo (or ‘of Oriolo’), formerly known as' Sacellum Beatae ad rivolum Virginis "(Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Near A River) and also "Our Lady of Grace', whose origin is lost in distant memory.
In July, the townspeople commemorate their patron, Saint Bonaventure; on September 8, they celebrate the feast of Our Lady dell'Oriolo.
The town’s main resource is its rich and tranquil environment, which lends itself well to both agriculture and tourism. Interesting initiatives in the field of the restaurant industry, farming, winemaking and direct distribution of local products have also recently been developed.