We recently discussed the exceptionally beautiful and lesser-known wine region of the Langhe in Italy and how it is actually the home of beloved wines such as Barolo as well as some of the most picturesque landscapes in the entire country. For those who are thinking about finding a vacation rental in Piedmont and who are wine-lovers, foodies, simply lovers of pretty surroundings, or all of the above, then a visit to the Langhe during your holiday in Italy is definitely a must. There are endless little family-run wineries to visit, larger enterprises that run like clockwork, pretty little villages, countless bars and restaurants serving delicious local specialities paired with incredible vintages, some charming hiking routes among the rolling hills and vineyards, and much more besides to enjoy and explore during your time in the area but there are also some little surprises, some little whimsical gems to stumble upon. Among these, the brightly-coloured, so-called Barolo Chapel, or Cappella delle Brunate, is a particular highlight. Like something from a pop art image or a child’s drawing come to life, it is a magic little wonder to make time to visit amidst your strolling, sipping, and sampling in the region.
Though it is called a chapel, the Barolo Chapel was never actually consecrated but, rather, was originally built around 1914 by local farmers to act as a shelter in case of storms or other inclement weather while they were working in the surrounding fields and vineyards of La Morra in the Langhe. Even then, it was called the Chapel of Santissima Madonna delle Grazie, despite never having been a place of worship. Eventually, in 1971, the chapel was purchased by the Ceretto family of wine-makers along with the surrounding land. Having almost completely fallen into ruin due to use simply as a storage space for farm equipment and years of neglect, the Ceretto family decided to do something with the chapel in 1999. The idea came as a suggestion by their friend, the artist David Tremlett, who had met them while visiting the area and had come to notice the little building in the late nineties. He thought it had the potential to be an interesting work of art and, rather than tearing it down, the Cerretto clan decided to commission two famous artists to give it a very special makeover. The American artist Sol LeWitt was hired to undertake the exterior decoration and the Englishman Tremlett, himself, was commissioned to paint the interior.
Once the artists were done, the results were arresting: a little building, nestled among the lush greenery of this agricultural corner of Italy that appears to look like a traditional chapel, executed in bright and cartoonish shades, with geometric shapes painted on the exterior, and an interior of softer but still bright and striking tones. Now one of the areas most enduring symbols and a celebration of the importance of wine to this corner of Italy, it is one more jewel to stumble upon and savour while visiting this incredible land of plenty on vacation in Piedmont. Open daily from 9am to 7pm, and free to visit, it is a great outing to pair with a day of wine-tasting at Ceretto or to simply seek out for its own sake. Do take note, however, that if you are planning on visiting on a Sunday then you will find the road closed to cars and it will require a 20-minute hike to reach the chapel. But it is really worth it, especially if you bring a little picnic and a delicious Barolo to enjoy while you admire this unique and charming little oddity in the Italian countryside...