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Camillo Benso, count of Cavour (1810-1861), was a leading figure in the movement toward Italian unification, and was the new country's first Prime Minister.
This became one of his family's homes. Cavour was sent here to cool off as a youth when his liberal views might have got him in trouble. During his stay he pioneered many agricultural techniques; he was one of the first Italian landowners to use chemical fertilizers for instance. But best of all he roped in a French enologist to improve the winemaking techniques of the local producers. Barolo is now one of Italy's most prized wines.
The castle itself was begun in the XIII th century. It's surrounded by vineyards, with views of the Alps .... gorgeous.