Carema
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
Carema, located in Piedmont on the border with Valle d'Aosta, is easily accessible thanks to a well-organised network of connections. The nearest airports are Turin-Caselle, about 60 kilometres away, and Milan-Malpensa, about 120 kilometres away. Both offer national and international connections, making Carema accessible from various destinations.
For those travelling by train, the municipality is served by the Turin-Aosta railway line. Carema station is located along this route and is well connected with regional trains that provide frequent connections to both Turin and Aosta. This option is a convenient and direct choice for those who prefer public transport.
Those arriving by car can reach Carema via the Turin-Aosta motorway, using the Quincinetto exit, located a few kilometres from the municipality. From there, a short stretch along state road 26 allows you to reach the village through a landscape characterised by terraced vineyards and mountainous reliefs. The provincial road network is well maintained and offers easy access, even for those wishing to explore the surrounding areas.
Carema's strategic location along important communication routes makes it an easily accessible destination for both a tourist visit and a longer stay. Its proximity to the Aosta Valley and the main centres of Piedmont, combined with the beauty of the area, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking authenticity and comfort.
Introduction
Carema, a small Piedmontese municipality located at an altitude of 549 metres, lies on the border between Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta. With a population of about 770 inhabitants, the village is a fascinating place where the wine-making tradition and the authenticity of the territory come together, offering glimpses of rare beauty and an atmosphere steeped in history. Carema is famous for its terraced vineyards, defined by Mario Soldati as a 'song to the vineyard', which design the landscape with the characteristic pilun, truncated conical columns of stone and lime supporting the Nebbiolo arbours.
Description
The Carema area spreads out over a natural basin surrounded by Alpine relief, where wine terraces intertwine with old lanes and paths. The vineyards, cultivated with age-old care, dominate the landscape, giving the village a unique identity. The special climate, influenced by the proximity of the mountains and the Dora Baltea river, favours the production of very high quality wines, including the famous Carema DOC, a Nebbiolo of great prestige. Carema's geographical position, along the historic Via Francigena, makes the village a point of passage and discovery for hikers and pilgrims.
Carema's historical roots go back to the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the numerous historic structures that dot the village. These include the Torre degli Ugoni and the Gran Masun, a 15th-century building recently restored to house the Carema Wine Valorisation Centre and a multimedia museum. Historic fountains, such as the one in Via Basilia (1571) and that of San Matteo (1480), enrich the centre with traces of daily life in past eras. Religious testimonies, such as the 18th-century parish church and the Church of the Confraternita dei Disciplini, recently restored to its ancient splendour, are symbols of local spirituality and history.
Carema's economy is deeply linked to viticulture. Carema wine, produced exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the municipality, is among the first Piedmontese wines to obtain DOC status in 1967. This smooth, full-bodied red wine is celebrated for its ability to accompany robust dishes and for its role in local traditions. Alongside viticulture, handicrafts and cultural tourism are gaining in importance, with a focus on promoting local peculiarities.
The culture and traditions of Carema are expressed through events and manifestations that punctuate the year. Among the best known are the Festa dell'Uva e del Vino (Grape and Wine Festival), the event "Andar per Cantine Antiche" (Going around Ancient Cellars) and the Carnevale dei Piccoli (Kids' Carnival), which celebrate the identity of the village and its bond with the land. Music and tastings, such as the Concert among the Vineyards, are opportunities to immerse oneself in the Caremese atmosphere.
Nature lovers and hikers will find a network of well-marked routes in Carema, such as the Via Francigena, which passes through the vineyards and the historic centre, and the Vineyard Trail, enhanced by information panels. These itineraries offer the possibility of discovering the beauty of the area, from the historical architecture to the panoramic views of the valley. The chapels of San Rocco and Siel, located on the edge of the village, act as 'sentinels' to the Caremese basin, enriching the itinerary with artistic and spiritual cues.
Carema is a place that proudly guards its heritage and shares it with those in search of authenticity, genuine flavours and a deep bond with the territory. The charm of the village, with its vineyards, history and traditions, invites you to an experience that celebrates Piedmontese culture in its purest essence.
Information
Area: 10.26sq km
Altitude: 349m
Maximum elevation: 2,085m - Bec de Nona
Number of inhabitants: 721 as of 31.07.24
Name in dialect: Carema
Name in dialect: Carema
Patron Saint: St. Martin (11 November)
Neighbouring municipalities: Donnas, Lillianes, Pont-Saint-Martin, Quincinetto, Settimo Vittone
Website: www.comune.carema.to.it