Merluzzo in SensoVia

A feel-good itinerary in the Alta Langa

In the small village of Albaretto della Torre, in the province of Cuneo, nestled in the heart of the Piedmontese Alta Langa, comes Merluzzo in SensoVia: a four-kilometer sensory loop designed to introduce visitors of all ages to the local area. Promoted by the Municipality of Albaretto della Torre and conceived by the LoveLanghe agency, the trail was inaugurated on May 1st, 2026, with a public celebration. The project involves the local Pro Loco, Terre Alte Escursioni, and the ASD Dynamic Centre Valle Belbo, weaving together sport, play, and landscape culture.

The five senses along the path

The loop is divided into five stages, each dedicated to one of the five senses, in dialogue with the most iconic elements of the Langhe:

• Sight: the rolling hills and observation of the Langhe ecosystem;
• Hearing: the historic early 20th-century washhouse;
• Smell: the oak forest, home to the white truffle of Alba and wild mushrooms;
• Touch: the hazelnut groves of the PGI Piedmont Hazelnut;
• Taste: the beehives, honey, and Langa stone.

Along the trail, you will find quizzes, interactive games, multimedia content, gentle exercise spots, and rest areas, making it an accessible route to enjoy all year round.

The cod-throwing game and the Salt Road

The heart of the event is the cod-throwing (lancio del merluzzo), an ironic and popular game where participants throw a wooden fish silhouette as far as they can. The tradition is rooted in the historic Salt Road, the ancient trade route that connected the Langhe to the sea, bringing goods and stories. The first painted wooden cods were created by local painter Renato Cane, testifying to the deep bond between the village and this unique symbol.

Art, theater, and local flavors

The inaugural day featured, alongside the walk, the opening of the exhibition Emotions generate memories (Le emozioni generano ricordi) with works by Giulia Porello and Renato Caren, hosted in the village's deconsecrated church, and the sensory theater workshop I feel, therefore I am (Sento, dunque sono), led by Chiara Rapalino and Silvia Negro. The event also included tastings of local farm-to-table products and social moments with picnics, brunches, and aperitifs, with the option to build a personalized box to take along the trail.

A new symbol for Albaretto della Torre

With just over two hundred inhabitants, Albaretto della Torre relies on this initiative to enhance its rural and landscape heritage, offering residents and visitors to Piedmont an experience that combines hiking, gaming, gastronomy, and historical memory. A feel-good itinerary that tells the story of the Alta Langa through its most authentic scents, flavors, and traditions.