Castello di Roddi
Medieval castle in the Langhe, municipally owned, with 16th-century kitchens, a space devoted to the truffle king Giacomo Morra and 45-minute guided visits.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The present building is the result of successive works commissioned by the families Falletti, Mirandola and Della Chiesa from the 14th century onwards. It is a significant example of medieval fortified architecture, with a central three-storey body on a high escarpment, defended by two cylindrical towers of different heights. Inside survive decorations and coffered wooden ceilings from the 14th–15th centuries and the historic 16th-century kitchens.
In 1526 the property passed to the counts della Mirandola, with Gaio Francesco, nephew of the humanist Pico, and in 1690 to the Chiesa family. After the Congress of Vienna the castle came into the possession of the House of Savoy, later became state property, and in 2001 belonged to the Municipality of Roddi. Today it is managed together with the Fondazione Barolo & Castelli.
The 16th-century kitchens inspired a teaching kitchen with about a dozen workstations next to the castle, where cooking courses devoted to the white truffle of Alba are held. The Truffle Hub, which celebrates the link between the village and the truffle, is based in the building. At the foot of the castle, since 1880, is the Università dei cani da tartufo (University of Truffle Dogs). The visit route includes an exhibition space devoted to Giacomo Morra, the “truffle king” (re del tartufo), to whom the worldwide fame of the white truffle of Alba is owed.
Highlights
- Sixteenth-century historic kitchens
- Coffered wooden ceilings from the 14th–15th centuries
- Exhibition space devoted to Giacomo Morra, the truffle king
- Truffle Hub and teaching kitchen on the white truffle of Alba
- University of Truffle Dogs at the foot of the castle
- Guided visits of 45 minutes
Permanent exhibition
- Percorso di visita del castello e spazio dedicato a Giacomo Morra – Guided visit to the rooms and the 16th-century kitchens, with an exhibition space devoted to Giacomo Morra, the truffle king.
- Operated by
- Comune di Roddi (gestione Fondazione Barolo & Castelli)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 1,666
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | –Free admission for children and young people under 14; full ticket from age 15. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and one companion. |
| Integrated ticket Barolo, Magliano Alfieri, Serralunga d'Alba and Roddi | €24Includes four castles, three museums and a collection of wine labels. Sales are suspended during the seasonal closure. |
| “Ciao!” booklet for children | €3For children aged 6 to 12, to be used during the guided visit. |
Free admission also for holders of the Abbonamento Musei Piemonte and Valle d'Aosta, ICOM members, journalists with a press card, tourist guides and residents.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The castle is not accessible to people with motor disabilities.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
The castle offers the “Ciao!” booklet for children aged 6 to 12 and the format “Medioevo in famiglia” (Middle Ages for families), devoted to cooking and eating habits in the Middle Ages.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
The castle can be rented for private and corporate events, including meetings and weddings.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Entry is only with a guided visit of about 45 minutes, in groups of up to 20 people. Booking is recommended, especially at weekends, on public holidays and in autumn, and compulsory for groups of 12–20 adults. An English-language visit aid is available. Visits and educational activities are offered for schools. Small dogs are admitted in arms or on a lead. |
