A municipality in the province of Cuneo, whose territory is situated in the hills of Roero area, bordering those of the Asti area, located just the below the several districts that depend from it, and like several other centers, built during the Middle Ages, it features a concentric shaped structure. The local economy is mainly based on agriculture, famous for a particular variety of peaches and for its vineyards that produce fine wines such as Roero and Arneis. The local inhabitants feast the peaches with a special annual fair and notable is the production of truffles. The main center is a special destination for tourists seeking peace, good food and great wines.
Canale was founded in the second half of the XIII century by the city of Asti in the territories controlled by the Bishop of the city. Here settled the inhabitants of several neighboring towns, severely damaged during the fighting against the Counts of Biandrate. The town became part of the fief of Biandrate; then part of the territories under the domain of Asti and then it passed to the Visconti of Milan. In 1379 it was ceded to the Accounts of Roero and in the XVI century, to the Accounts Malabaila of Castellinaldo.
Attractions:
- the Parish Church of St. Vittore, built in the XIII century, was originally dedicated to St. Stephen. It has been subjected to frequent refurbishments and embellished with Baroque decorations in façade between the late XVII and early XVIII centuries;
- the XVIII century Church of St John the Beheaded in Baroque style. It presents a façade divided into two separate levels, enriched by pairs of columns. The structure is flanked by a multi-storey Bell Tower that is topped by a spherical spire;
- the Church of San Bernardino, cited in documents since the XVI century, it was rebuilt in Baroque style in the XVIII century;
- the Church of Our Lady of Loreto;
- the Sanctuary of Mombirone;
- the Castle Malabaila, dating from the second half of the XIII century, was built for defensive purposes. It was originally surrounded by a ditch, that was covered when it became a noble residence. The building is surrounded by a vast park;
- the Civic Tower, which is the only present visible element of the ancient city walls. Subsequently it was enlarged to fit a belfry.