Big Benches in the Langhe: Where to Find Them and Best Itineraries

Like unexpected gems set amidst the velvety slopes and noble vineyards that shape the essence of the Langhe, the Big Benches reveal themselves. Far beyond their physical presence, they embody an exquisite invitation to reinterpret an enchanting territory with renewed eyes, capable of grasping the majesty hidden in the unusual.

In the following article, we will embark on a journey together that will lead us to the discovery of these colossal seats, silent guardians of enchanting horizons and witnesses to a profound harmony between creative ingenuity and the generous beauty of Piedmont’s nature.

Big Benches in the Langhe: What Are They?

The Big Benches are monumental artistic installations, born from an idea by designer Chris Bangle and promoted by the Big Bench Community Project (BBCP), with the noble intent of offering a novel and playful perspective on the territory and, at the same time, supporting local communities and authentic craftsmanship. Much more than mere oversized seats, these creations stand as symbols of an invitation to slowness, an exhortation to rediscover the intrinsic beauty of lands belonging to the UNESCO heritage.

Each giant bench is conceived as a privileged observation point, meticulously placed in strategic locations: from vine-covered hills to historic villages. Sitting on the benches is an experience that goes beyond simple contemplation; it is an opportunity to immerse oneself in tranquility, to savor the fragrance of the earth, to let one’s gaze wander over the natural and man-made geometries that shape the Piedmontese territory.

The Role of the BIG BENCH COMMUNITY PROJECT (BBCP) Foundation

At the heart of the project lies the Big Bench Community Project (BBCP), a visionary foundation that has managed to transform a simple idea into an internationally resonant phenomenon. The creative mind behind these scenic seats is Chris Bangle, a renowned American designer who chose the lands of the Langhe, steeped in history and natural splendor, as his elective home.

The philosophy animating the BBCP goes far beyond the mere installation of oversized objects; it is an initiative pulsating with a deep respect for the territory and promoting sustainable tourism that is mindful. Each giant bench becomes a privileged observation point, a stage from which to admire the symphony of colors and shapes that the Langhe generously bestows.

Sitting on these creations means allowing oneself a moment of quiet, a return to childhood when the world appeared immense and every detail of the landscape a wonder to be discovered. It is an invitation to “feel like a child again,” to abandon for a moment the daily frenzy to embrace the majesty of creation from an unusual perspective.

The Big Bench Passport

For travelers eager to collect memories of such a unique adventure, there is a real passport. This precious notebook transforms into a special travel diary, ready to receive the distinctive stamps of each visited work. A playful and fascinating way to trace one’s itinerary through the Langhe and preserve an indelible mark of every panoramic conquest.

Why Do Big Benches Attract So Many Visitors?

The magnetic charm of the Big Benches lies in a fortunate combination of elements.

Firstly, the originality of the experience: who wouldn’t be intrigued by the idea of sitting on a bench of fairytale proportions? The unexpected monumentality generates a sense of wonder and fun, inviting the sharing of an out-of-the-ordinary event.

Secondly, the splendor of the panoramas that the benches offer is simply breathtaking. Strategically placed in exceptional panoramic spots, the giant benches frame views of rare beauty and transform the contemplation of the landscape into an almost sacred experience.

Last but not least, the “instagrammable” aspect of these creations undeniably contributes to their popularity. The vibrant color of each seat stands out against the backdrop of the hills, making it an irresistible photographic subject, a peculiarity that amplifies their resonance on social media and piques the curiosity of ever new visitors.

Big Benches in the Langhe: How Many Are There and Where Can We Find Them?

The Langhe hosts an ever-increasing number of these artistic creations. Each bench, with its chromatic identity and panoramic position, invites an exploration of the territory that borders on playfulness and wonder.

Let us now venture to discover some of the locations in the Langhe where the giant benches watch over the landscape.

Big Benches in Roero

The Roero, a land of fine wines and gentle hills, welcomes several monumental seats with its typical hospitality. Among the municipalities hosting them is Canale, with its bench offering a dominant view over lush vineyards.

Each seat in Roero has its own peculiarity, an exclusive viewpoint that enhances its beauty. Imagine sitting here, lulled by the breeze and intoxicated by the scent of hazelnut groves, observing a horizon that fades into the distance. Below are the 5 locations in Roero where Giant Benches can be found:

• Canale (No. 47)
• Vezza d’Alba (No. 5)
• Castellinaldo d’Alba (No. 157)
• Montà d’Alba (No. 167)
• Ceresole d’Alba (No. 320)

Big Benches in Barolo

The homeland of the famous red wine is not only an oenological excellence but also a treasure trove of scenic beauty enhanced by giant benches. Here too, some installations offer unique perspectives on the vineyards that shape the landscape and invite you to a contemplative pause in the heart of such an iconic land. In Barolo, you can find the following Giant Benches:

• Monforte Gramolere (No. 6 – Ex Santa Rosalia D’alba)
• Monforte (No. 12)
• Dogliani (No. 13)
• Moasca (No. 24)
• Sinio (No. 63)

Big Benches in Alba

The territory of Alba, famous in the Langhe for its white truffle and its lively atmosphere, is also dotted with giant benches. These attractions present unique viewpoints over the surrounding hills, an invitation to discover the territory from an unusual angle. The locations in Alba where Giant Benches can be found are:

• Alba – Loc. Scaparone (No. 14)
• Neive (No. 23)
• Coazzolo (No. 26)
• Diano D’alba (No. 65)
• Montelupo Albese (No. 100)

Big Benches in Monregalese

On the edge of the Langhe extends the Monregalese area, which also hosts some of the imposing seats. Immersed in a setting characterized by historically rich villages, the benches in this area offer a more secluded but always fascinating engagement. The benches in Monregalese are located in:

• Clavesana Borgata Gorrea (No. 1)
• Farigliano (No. 2)
• Clavesana Lo Sbaranzo (No. 4)
• Carru’ (No. 7)
• Piozzo (No. 8)
• Ciglie’ (No. 43)

Big Benches in Cebano

Even Cebano, with its rural identity and slower rhythms, hosts some giant benches that integrate harmoniously into the context. These creations become a pretext to explore a less-traveled corner of Piedmont, yet rich in authenticity and suggestive views. Below is a series of locations where you can admire the Giant Benches in Cebano:

• Arguello (No. 11)
• Niella Belbo (No. 16)
• Ceva (No. 28)
• Santo Stefano Belbo (No. 34)
• Paroldo (No. 44)
• San Benedetto Belbo (No. 85)
• Valprato Soana (No. 115)

Itinerary in the Langhe among Big Benches and Territory

Undertaking an itinerary to discover the Big Benches is a novel and engaging way to explore the soul of the Langhe. Let’s draw inspiration from some suggestions to fully experience the adventure.

Itinerary for Families

An itinerary designed for families could focus on the most easily accessible benches. The visit could be combined with a stop at an agriturismo with animals or an educational activity for the little ones.

Imagine the children’s joy feeling tiny sitting on huge benches, their gaze lost in the immensity of the landscape. Stops in picturesque villages with play areas and artisan ice cream parlors could be included, turning the bench hunt into a fun adventure for the whole family.

Itinerary for the More Adventurous

For the more adventurous spirits, a more challenging tour could be designed, perhaps by bicycle or on foot, to connect several benches via scenic trails. This type of itinerary would allow for complete immersion in nature, discovering hidden corners and enjoying breathtaking views, with the final reward of a regenerating stop on one of the Big Benches.

Visits to historic wineries for tastings and stops in typical trattorias to savor the true essence of Langhe cuisine could be included.

Giant Benches in the Langhe: Tips for Equipment and When to Visit

To fully enjoy visiting the Giant Benches, it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, especially if you intend to reach the benches via trails. Bringing a water bottle and perhaps some snacks is always a good idea.

The best seasons to visit the Langhe and its giant benches are spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and the landscape’s colors ignite in spectacular shades, from spring blooms to autumn foliage. Summer can be hot but offers long days perfect for excursions, while winter provides a more intimate and silent atmosphere, with the chance to admire the hills perhaps lightly dusted with snow. Each season has its charm and a different perspective on the Langhe.

Big Benches in Italy

The phenomenon of Big Benches is not limited to the Langhe but has spread to several regions of Italy that have enthusiastically welcomed these scenic seats and understood their potential as an original tourist attraction, capable of celebrating and enhancing the peculiar charm of each territory.

From the Alpine peaks to the Tuscan hills, from the generous lands of Emilia-Romagna to the coastal views of Liguria and beyond, each new Big Bench becomes a unique observation point, an invitation to pause and admire with renewed eyes the symphony of shapes and colors that Italy generously displays.

Each installation, with its chromatic identity, invites the visitor to a deeper contemplation and a more intimate connection with the soul of the places.

Big Benches Around the World

Chris Bangle’s idea has crossed Italian borders and found an echo in various locations around the globe. In its intrinsic simplicity and powerful evocative charge, it has found fertile ground in various places. The Big Benches, with their innate ability to arouse amazement and showcase a scene from a different point of view, have begun to spread to different nations, creating a sort of global network of oversized observation points.

Today it is possible to admire them not only among the hills of the Langhe but also in suggestive places like Römerstein in Germany, Hooglede in Belgium, Hilvarenbeek in the Netherlands, Wintzenheim in France, and Bieganów in Poland — a testament to how an idea born in the heart of Piedmont has become a universal symbol of wonder and sharing.

Experience the Langhe with Casa di Langa: Authentic and Sustainable Experience

Imagine concluding a day spent exploring the winding roads among the Big benches and returning to the welcoming warmth of Casa di Langa. Here, the philosophy of respect for the environment and attention to detail merge to create a stay experience that goes beyond simple accommodation.

Staying at Casa di Langa means completely immersing oneself in the authenticity of the Langhe, savoring local cuisine prepared with zero-kilometer ingredients, enjoying the tranquility of an environment designed for well-being and connection with nature.

It is the ideal complement to an adventure discovering the giant benches, under the banner of conscious and sustainable tourism.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Below are the most frequently asked questions posted by users online.

How to reach the Big Benches in the Langhe?

The Big Benches are generally reachable by car or motorcycle, following local road signs. Some can be included in hiking or cycling tours, a more immersive way to explore the territory.

The freedom to move independently allows you to create your own personalized itinerary to discover the benches.

How much does it cost to visit the Big Benches?

Visiting the Big Benches is free and open to everyone. Access to the artistic creations does not involve any cost. However, for those who wish to collect stamps, the passport has a small cost, intended to support the BBCP project and related activities.

The passport can be purchased at affiliated businesses that also issue stamps for individual benches.

When is it possible to visit the Big Benches?

The Big Benches are accessible at any time, as they are outdoor installations. However, it is always good practice to check if the desired attraction is located in a private area with possible access times.

Furthermore, in case of adverse weather conditions such as heavy snow or heavy rain, reaching some benches located in more isolated areas might be inadvisable for safety reasons.

Are the Big Benches easily accessible? Are they suitable for children, pets, or people with difficulties?

Accessibility varies from bench to bench. Some are easily reachable by car with nearby parking and are also suitable for young children and people with less mobility. Others may require short walks on more or less easy trails. The admission of pets depends on the specific rules of the place where it is located; generally, they are tolerated, but it is always advisable to keep them on a leash out of respect for other visitors and the environment.

For detailed information on the accessibility of each Big Bench, it is useful to consult the online resources of the Big Bench Community Project or locally available information.