What You Need to Know: Useful Information

Beneath the rolling, vineyard-covered hills of Monferrato lies a secret world hidden right under the feet of local winemakers. Literally translating to “little hell” or “underground place” in the regional dialect, an infernot is a hand-carved subterranean cellar chiseled directly out of a unique, ancient marine sandstone known as Pietra da Cantoni. These deep, pitch-black chambers are masterpieces of vernacular architecture and folk engineering. Originally dug out by farmers during long winter months to perfectly preserve their finest vintages, today these magical spaces enjoy global recognition as a core pillar of Piedmont’s UNESCO World Heritage wine landscape.

Deep Into Monferrato: Exploring the Magic of Piedmont’s Underground "Infernot" -

Getting There

  • By Car: The core infernot zone is centered around the villages of Vignale Monferrato, Rosignano Monferrato, and Camagna Monferrato. From Asti, take the SS457 north toward Casale Monferrato (about 35 minutes). Driving is highly recommended, as it allows you to hop between the scattered hillside villages where these cellars are hidden.
  • By Train: The closest main railway station is in Casale Monferrato, which connects to Vercelli and Alessandria. From Casale Monferrato, you will need a taxi or a local bus to reach the smaller wine villages.
  • By Bus: Local bus lines operated by STN connect Casale Monferrato to surrounding villages like Rosignano, though schedules are sparse and built primarily around school hours.

Below you'll find the location marked on Google Maps. Click on it to open the location directly on your device's maps.

For the museum Ecomuseo della Pietra da Cantoni and its infernot:

Useful Contacts

What to Bring & Pro-Tips

  • Even if it is a blistering 90°F (32°C) outside, it will be chilly underground. Always pack a light jacket or sweater specifically for the cellar tour.
  • A smartphone with a good flashlight feature can also help you read bottle labels in the dim candlelight.
  • Many infernot cellars are located on private residential property or underneath working wineries. You cannot simply walk in. You must book your visits in advance, often through the local municipal tourism offices or the Ecomuseo della Pietra da Cantoni.
Deep Into Monferrato: Exploring the Magic of Piedmont’s Underground "Infernot" -

The “Hidden Gem“

While hopping between wine cellars, make sure to visit Rosignano Monferrato and look for its unique Big Bench (Grande Panchina). Part of the regional Big Bench Community Project, this oversized, brightly colored bench is placed at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the rolling vineyard ridges. Sitting on it makes you feel like a child again, offering the ultimate Instagram-worthy view of the very hills that hide the magical world of the infernot beneath them.