Prince Albert II of Monaco Visits Piedmont with Alberto Cirio: A Day in the Langhe Celebrating History and Tradition

Prince Albert II of Monaco returns to Piedmont today, Friday, 9 October, for a visit combining history, culture and institutional relations. The Sovereign is accompanied throughout the day by Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region, as the Principality of Monaco strengthens its ties with the Langhe communities historically connected to the Grimaldi dynasty.

The programme includes three municipalities in the province of Cuneo — Niella Belbo, Cerretto Langhe and Novello — which are part of the network of Grimaldi Historic Sites. The visit brings together tributes to the region’s dynastic heritage, the promotion of local traditions and meetings with municipal representatives and residents.

Prince Albert II and Alberto Cirio in Niella Belbo for the Opening of Ca’ Balon

The first stop is Niella Belbo, where Prince Albert II and President Alberto Cirio attend the inauguration of Ca’ Balon, a cultural centre and museum dedicated to pallapugno, a traditional ball sport deeply rooted in Piedmontese culture.

The new cultural venue celebrates the history of a sport closely associated with the identity of the Langhe, highlighting local traditions, sporting heritage and collective memory. The project aims to preserve and pass on the history of pallapugno to future generations.

The presence of the Monegasque Sovereign and the regional president underlines the cultural significance of the initiative and the role local traditions can play in promoting the region. Ca’ Balon also represents an opportunity to attract visitors and strengthen the cultural and tourism offering of the Alta Langa.

Cerretto Langhe and the Historic Roots of the Grimaldi Family

The visit continues in Cerretto Langhe, where the Prince is welcomed by Mayor Flavio Borgna. This stop focuses on the history of the Del Carretto family and its longstanding connections with the Grimaldi family of Monaco.

During his visit, the Prince explores the historic Del Carretto residence, a reminder of the medieval heritage of the area and the dynastic relationships that connect the Langhe with the Principality of Monaco.

The meeting with the local community also provides an opportunity to highlight the town’s architectural and historical heritage, keeping its shared past alive for future generations.

Prince Albert II Welcomed in Novello: Local Traditions and Community Life

In the afternoon, the programme takes Prince Albert II to Novello, where he meets local officials and residents.

The visit offers the municipality an opportunity to celebrate its historical connections with the Grimaldi dynasty and renew its relationship with the Principality of Monaco. The welcome includes events in the historic centre and local traditions, culminating in a public ceremony celebrating the town’s identity.

The stop in Novello completes the Prince’s itinerary through the Langhe, highlighting community participation and the promotion of the area’s historical and cultural heritage.

Monaco and Piedmont: Historic Ties Looking to the Future

Prince Albert II’s visit, accompanied by President Alberto Cirio, forms part of broader efforts to promote the historic relationships between the Principality of Monaco and Italian communities linked to the Grimaldi family.

These connections date back centuries and include dynastic and marital alliances involving the Del Carretto family between the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, this shared heritage is preserved and promoted through the network of Grimaldi Historic Sites, which aims to raise awareness of locations associated with the dynasty and encourage new opportunities for cultural and tourism cooperation.

The importance of these historical and cultural ties has also been highlighted during the recent state visit of Italian President Sergio Mattarella to Monaco.

Through the inauguration of a new museum, visits to historic residences and meetings with local communities, today’s programme renews the dialogue between Monaco and Piedmont. It is an opportunity to transform shared history into a resource for promoting culture, local identity and new opportunities for the Langhe region.