THE LANGHE
The Langhe is part of a complex of lands that emerged 25 million years ago from a rise in the seabed. Evidence confirming these origins is the presence in the soil of sandstone, layered marls, limestone and sand in which marine shells, fossils, fish skeletons and algae are found.
The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Piedmont, in the area between Cuneo and Asti, North-West of Italy. It is characterized by forests and vineyards, as well as rivers and a scenic set of hills. The region's capital is Alba. Towns and villages are generally on the crests and this contributes to the spectacular view of the Langhe.
The name 'Langhe' most probably derives from the Piedmontese word 'langa', which means 'hill'. The area has had this name since the Middle Ages.
The territory experienced the pain and suffering of the two World Wars, especially during WW II, serving as a safe haven for the partisan troops during the liberation from the German troops.
It has developed a strong economy linked to tourism, which continues to this day.
In this area there are a lot of castles, legacy of the area's troubled history during the medieval period and in subsequent eras. They stand on the highest points, with panoramic views of the beauty of the wine-growing landscape.
1. La Morra is a small town with less than 3,000 inhabitants. Since 2014 La Morra has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The best attraction in the square is the Belvedere balcony: from here the view is breathtaking and the hills of the Langhe and Roero can be admired.
2. On a hill lies the small medieval village of Monforte d'Alba. In the old part of Monforte, a natural amphitheatre with perfect acoustics was inaugurated in 1986 by the famous pianist Mieczysław Horszowski, created by the natural morphological slope of the land.
3. Barolo is a small village of less than eight hundred inhabitants. The village is surrounded by endless vineyards. Barolo is the homeland of the wine of the same name that has been produced in these vineyards. Worth visiting is the Barolo Castle.
4. Novello is a pretty village of a few houses perched on the hillside.The name Novello would derive from "Novae villae", which means the new residences built by the citizens of Alba, attracted by the landscape and the particular climate, to spend their holidays on this hill during the summer months. The villages of La Morra, Monforte, Barolo and Novello are located in the territory of the Langhe which hosts a series of cultural, musical and folkloric events attracting thousands of visitors from all over Italy and from abroad.
In July, the beautiful village of Monforte hosts “Monfortinjazz and more” that takes place in the Horszowsky Auditorium, located on the top of the ancient medieval village.
In July, the village of La Morra hosts “Barolo Night”, a gastronomic event with cuisine from the best restaurants in La Morra paired with Barolo wine and live music. A wine and food event in unique locations, with dishes prepared by the best chefs of the town.
In July another important international event takes place in the village of Barolo, “Collisioni Barolo Music Festival” with artists from all over the world: writers, journalists and singers.
The main town of Alba hosts the “International White Truffle Fair of Alba” in October and November.
The Truffle Fair, along with VINUM (Wine Festival), is one of the most important events for the city of Alba. There are art exhibitions, theater performances, concerts, markets, historical and folkloristic commemorations, activities for children and much more.
One of the most eagerly awaited events is held on the first Sunday in October. In the morning the donkeys are assigned to the villages, then in the early afternoon the spectacular medieval parade takes place, followed by the donkey race.
The Istituto Comprensivo di La Morra- Monforte- Barolo- Novello is made up of 11 schools located in small towns in Piedmont, in the North-West of Italy. There are 796 students, 15% of which are foreigners. There are 4 nursery schools for 199 children aged 3-5, 4 primary schools for 350 pupils aged 6-11 and 3 middle schools for 247 students aged 11-14.
We are really proud of being part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site for the outstanding scenery.
Our Institute offers a home environment with small groups of students per class which help a qualified and easy learning. Sport and physical activities are promoted through vineyard hikes, school trips to the mountains for skiing lessons, swimming lessons, walks in the countryside, involvement in local sport events. English as a second language is taught since the nursery school and pupils at middle school study French for three years.
ICT is given an important role in our schools: most classes have got interactive whiteboards to help students gain experience in technology, some groups of students take part in coding projects and little children at nursery/primary schools have been enjoying robotics.
We have some environmental projects running in our school, most of them focused on waste, water and energy. To be green, the “Piedibus Project” has been created to allow students who live in the town to walk to school. It is very popular because it's highly green and enhances social implication.
We haven’t any previous experience in Erasmus+ projects, we are very happy to start with a transnational experience. 6 classes are taking part in “Tiny steps for great changes”, 85 students: 39 boys and 46 girls who are 12/13 years old. They decided to be involved because they feel excited in meeting foreign students. They would like to get to know each other, make friends, compare different habits and interests. They want to enjoy being in touch and cooperate together virtually and in presence.