Rose Festival – Opening of the Roseto della Sorpresa

The Rose Festival at the Roseto della Sorpresa

In the town of Castell'Alfero, in the Province of Asti, in the heart of the Piedmontese Monferrato, every spring brings a highly anticipated event for garden and nature enthusiasts: the Rose Festival, which marks the public opening of the Roseto della Sorpresa. Located in the Perno district, on a hill surrounded by woods, this 14,000-square-meter botanical garden is recognized by the Piedmont Region and stands as one of the most evocative spots in the Asti area during the peak flowering season.

A unique collection of antique roses

The rose garden owes its identity to the work of Professor Piero Amerio, who has collected and cataloged approximately 500 varieties of roses over more than thirty years. The collection is particularly significant for its original species and horticultural varieties of old European garden roses, including rare Rosa gallica cultivars and ancient wild species that predate hybridization with Chinese germplasm. It is a botanical heritage that tells the story of the rose as a garden plant in Europe.

A wild garden in the Monferrato

Unlike formal rose gardens, the Roseto della Sorpresa is described by its curators as "a slightly wild garden that respects the local habitat." The roses intertwine with the hilly woodland and spontaneous vegetation, offering a walk immersed in the nature of the Monferrato. May's blooming season is the ideal time to visit, when the flowerbeds explode with color and fragrance.

Guided tours and activities

The Rose Festival consists of a series of opening days, generally on May afternoons, during which visitors are guided by the garden's managers through the blooming flowerbeds. The initiative, organized by the Associazione Amici del Roseto della Sorpresa, is often included in the local event calendar, such as the Golosaria tra i Castelli del Monferrato festival, featuring nature walks, guided tours, and cultural insights dedicated to the history of the rose.

Why visit

• Free admission and guided tours
• Approximately 500 varieties of antique and botanical roses
• 14,000 sqm garden recognized by the Piedmont Region
• Natural hilly environment in the Monferrato Astigiano
• A chance to discover Castell'Alfero and its treasures linked to the Palio

The Rose Festival is an experience that blends botany, landscape, and culture—perfect for those wishing to discover an authentic corner of Piedmont far from the most crowded tourist destinations.