Province AL
Ovada, AL
A town at the confluence of the Orba and the Stura di Ovada, where the Po plain meets the Ligurian Apennines, which makes it a natural stop between Piedmont and the Ligurian coast. It is the centre of Ovada DOCG, a Dolcetto-based red from 24 communes, and was named a European Wine City in 2024.
Sights
- The parish church of Nostra Signora Assunta, late 18th-century baroque with twin bell towers close to 50 metres tall
- Oratorio della Santissima Annunziata, 14th century, holding work by Luca Cambiaso
- Loggia di San Sebastiano, the town's first parish church, deconsecrated and now used for exhibitions
- The birthplace of San Paolo della Croce, founder of the Passionists, declared a national monument in 1918
- Museo Paleontologico Giulio Maini, with fossils from the local marine sediments
- Santuario di Nostra Signora della Guardia of 1661, on the hill above the town
Things to do
- Drink Ovada DOCG Dolcetto here, where it is taken more seriously than its reputation elsewhere suggests
- Walk the confluence of the two rivers below the old town
- Visit the paleontological museum, which explains why the hills are full of marine fossils
- Use Ovada as a base for the Apennine walking country to the south
Annual events
May
Paesi e Sapori
Pro Loco associations from across the province cook their local dishes in the historic centre, past its twentieth edition.
August
Ovada in Festa
The town summer festival.
October
Fiera di San Simone
A long-standing autumn fair in late October.
November
Vino e Tartufi
Wine and truffle event.
December
Fiera di Sant'Andrea
The winter fair in early December.
When to visit
May for Paesi e Sapori and walking weather, or November for wine and truffles.
