casale monferrato

MONFERRATO
ITINERARIES TO VISIT THE MONFERRATO CASALESE AND THE
NEARBY PLAIN OF RIVER PO - CASALE MONFERRATO
This is where history, art, architecture, traditions and crafts all live side by
side in an extraordinary landscape that is yours to discover.Hills, plain and
the Po river environment live together with vineyards and rice fields
in a successful and well balanced synthesis, offering a multi-faceted typical
productionof high quality, from precious truffles to prestigious wines with
the renowned Monferrato DOCbrands, to the best types of rice through to the
“Muletta” (characteristic salami).
And then the local enogastronomy dishes to be enjoyed at typical restaurants,
rich recipesdrawn from the most authentic “Monferrato” traditions:
“Agnolotti” (ravioli), “Fritto misto”(mixed fry), “Bollito” (boiled meats) with
the “Tris di Bagnet” (a threesome of sauces), the“Bagna cauda” (anchovy and
garlic hot-dip sauce), to finish with desserts: the famous“Krumiri” biscuits
and the “Bunet” (Piedmontese almond pudding).
Furthermore, there are many and diverse opportunities for stays in castles,
agritourismfacilities, bed & breakfasts and charming hotels.
The centre of this region is Casale, capital of the Monferrato since 1434, where
you can findsome of the most delightful Piedmontese baroque buildings and,
unique in Europe, aSynagogue and a Museum of Jewish Art, the
Romanesque Cathedral with its splendid Narthex,the Santa Croce complex,
with the civic Museum and the adjoining plaster cast Gallery of
symbolist sculptor Leonardo Bistolfi as well as the imposing Monferrato
Castle.
And all around are the small villages animated by the folklore of typical
events: oftenunknown, enchanting corners are there waiting for the relaxed
discovery of a different conceptof wellness time.
Events in Casale Monferrato area
MERCATINO DELL’ ANTIQUARIATO/ANTIQUES MARKET (takes place
in Casale Monferrato every second weekend of the month, excepting
August): one of Piedmont’s most important monthly events which proposes a
specific theme each time and is aimed at collectors and lover of antiques.
Jointly held, the opening of Casale Monferrato’s churches and monuments as
well as those in the area with the projects known as CASALE OPEN CITY
and OPEN MONFERRATO
RISO & ROSE IN MONFERRATO/RICE & ROSES IN THE
MONFERRATO (May):
3 weekends of fun involving about 30 Municipalities in wine and foodrelated events, flower nurseries, arts and crafts, women’s hobbies,
environmentally friendly sports in which to participate in close contact with
nature, playing on rice-related themes (typical produce of the Po River plain,
synonymous with joy and light-heartedness) and on roses (flower, colour and
symbol of femininity)
MOSTRA DI SAN GIUSEPPE – FIERA DI PRIMAVERA/SAINT
GIUSEPPE’S FAIR – SPRING FAIR (mid-March): a get-together for
agriculture, typical enogastronomy and high-quality handicrafts
FIERA DEGLI ANTICHI MESTIERI/ANCIENT CRAFTS (Easter weekend):
national handicraft fair in Conzano, with live demonstrations of ancient
crafts, food and wine stands and exhibitions
VIGNALEDANZA (from late June to early August): International classical
ballet and contemporary dance festival with the participation of top ranking
artists
FESTA DEL VINO E DEL MONFERRATO/MONFERRATO WINE
FESTIVAL (mid-September):
discover some of the Monferrato wine and food specialties, enjoy musical
moments, theatre, and parades in Casale Monferrato
RASSEGNA FIERE DEL TARTUFO DEL MONFERRATO/TRUFFLE FAIR
EXHIBITIONS IN MONFERRATO (October and November): following the
truffle trails in Casale Monferrato area, with fairs held in Moncalvo, Cella
Monte, Ottiglio, Murisengo, Odalengo Piccolo, Madonnina di
Serralunga di Crea, Montiglio. Gastronomic events, tasting, stands selling
typical products, local handicrafts, shows and entertainment
And more again …......
CASALE MONFERRATO AREA
THE TERRITORY
Getting to the Casale Monferrato area is very simple. Just one hour’s drive
from Turin, Milan and Genoa, and particularly concentrated around the
province of Alessandria, branching into Asti and Vercelli provinces as well. It
is crossed by the A4 highway (if you’re coming from Milan
or Turin) and the A26 motorway (for those arriving from Genoa). Casale
Monferrato, its “historic capital”, is on the highway network with two offramps (Casale North and Casale South) on the ‘Trafori’ road.
Longitudinally, the Casale Monferrato area stretches around 60 kilometres,
while in latitudinal direction it spans around 40 kilometres. This means it can
be easily visited, reaching the various areas in a short space of time no matter
where you’re staying.
Casale Monferrato
The ancient Monferrato capital has a wealth of monuments to visit. Of
particular interest are: the imposing, recently restored Monferrato Castle
dating back to mid-14th century, where we can find the seat of the “Enoteca
Regionale del Monferrato”; the Cathedral with its splendid Narthex and
Romanesque crucifix, as well as an extremely modern Centenary Baptistery,
commissioned to celebrate 900 years in the life of the Cathedral, the work of
the sculptor Lodigiani; the church of San Domenico and its adjoining
cloister, with valuable works by Guala;. the baroque Synagogue and Jewish
museum with its wealth of handcrafted religious articles and a “Light
Museum” with a magnificent display of Hannukia lamps, the work of major
contemporary artists such as Arman, Mondino, Recalcati, Luzzati etc).
Furthermore, the former Augustinian Convent of Santa Croce (XIVth -XIXth
Centuries), whose cloisters are decorated with frescoes by G. Caccia,
currently hosts the Civic Museum which holds a rich heritage of works
linked with the town’s history and Piedmontese and Lombard
art, subdivided into three sections: the Picture Gallery, recently extended and
re-arranged with over 250 paintings, sculptures and ceramic works of art; the
Bistolfi Plaster Cast Gallery with more than 170 sculptures in plaster,
marble, and bronze by the Casale Monferrato-born artist Leonardo Bistolfi
(1859-1933); and, finally the Archaeological Hall
exhibiting the “Longobards in Monferrato. Archaeology of the “Iudiciaria
Torrensis”, and the “renaissance portal of the former Church of Santa Maria di
Piazza”, that has been restored and collocated in the little cloister.
Other churches worthy of a visit are Santa Caterina, San Filippo, San Paolo,
Santo Stefano, San Michele; among the outstanding buildings are those that
belonged to Anna d’Alençon, Gozzani (now the Town Hall), Gozzani di
Treville (the Philharmonic Academy), Sannazzaro.
Between Piazza Castello and Piazza Mazzini is the Municipal Theatre, built at
the end of the 18th century, and the civic tower, which has ancient origins
and is the emblem of Casale.
The “Monferrato Museums” (MOMU) cumulative card, allows access for a
year to the Civic Museum and Bistolfi plaster casts Gallery, the Synagogue
and Jewish Museum, Cathedral Treasure and the Paradise Chapel of the
Sacred Mount of Crea.
Classical Casale Monferrato area
A few kilometres from Casale is Terruggia, a Roman settlement which
belonged to various noble Piedmontese families. Carlo Preda’s magnificent
painting of the Madonna with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Gratus
dominates the oratory of San Grato. On the main road to Asti is
San Giorgio Monferrato, which is dominated by the spectacular castle (not
open to the public, can only be visited on Monferrato and Castles “open
days”) from whose terrace can be seen one of the most picturesque
panoramas of the area. Continuing, you reach Ozzano which was one of the
domains of the Aleramo family and the Paleologo dynasty.
The castle resembles a noble villa, and the parish church of San Salvatore has
a Renaissance door, while the interior boasts 16th century capitals.
In Treville, perched on one of the highest peaks in the Casale Monferrato
area, the parish church dedicated to Sant’Ambrogio is one of the Monferrato
area’s archetypes of baroque architecture.
A walk through the vineyards up to the old parish church of San Quirico is a
must - a finely constructed Romanesque building - destination of pilgrims on
the Via Francigena route. Finally, in Sala, a walk up the hill of San Francesco
which dominates the town and offers a splendid view over the Monferrato
area. Important works by Caccia and Alberini are to be seen in the
church of San Giacomo.
Vignale area
By its very name, this can be considered the vineyard centre. Approaching
from the Roncaglia road, the first interesting towns you encounter, all
reached by turning off to the left, are Camagna, the ancient possession of the
Canons of Tours, with the imposing dome of the Sant’Eusebio parish church,
and Conzano, a village now considered to be an art centre, due to
the frequent exhibitions at Villa Vidua, home of the famous Count Carlo
Vidua, where prestigious artists have shown their work. Further on you will
get to Vignale, a town dedicated to the theme of dancing, which hosts a
prestigious international dance festival in July and August. Perched on a hill
and surrounded by vineyards, its streets are lined with buildings and
monuments that have made Monferrato history; the terrace is a panoramic
landmark offering an unforgettable view over the sea of hills.
In Cuccaro, town of the Colombo family; the interior road that connects the
town to Lu should not be missed: it provides one of the most beautiful scenic
views of the Monferrato area and can be covered by bicycle, on horseback or
on foot. Onwards to Fubine, for the parish church of the Assumption, the
castle and Neo-Gothic chapel with a magnificent work by Bistolfi; in
Quargnento, on the scenic Ronco road towards Villa Cuttica, are the church
of San Dalmazio and the house of the artist Carlo Carrà - finish up with an
interesting stroll through the streets and places where he grew up.
Valle Ghenza
Here we are in the heart of the Casale Monferrato area. Leaving Casale
behind, you travel along the picturesque Mandoletta road to Rosignano,
perched on top of a hill covered in woods and vineyards, with its very
ancient history. In the historical centre and numerousnearby hamlets of the
“Casale sentinel” (as it was called in the 17th century), there are still
churches, castles, manor houses and a number belvederes that are well worth
a walk. Not to be missed is the open-air path in Colma di Rosignano, strolling
among the works of the painter Angelo Morbelli, to his home/atelier.
Opposite Rosignano at the top of another hill is Cella Monte, the town of
“cantone” stone and music. Be sure to take a stroll through the streets to
discover flower-filled courtyards and visit the unique “infernot”, wine cellars
dug out of the “cantone” stone beneath the houses, also known as wine
“catacombs”.
Continuing along the main road, a turn off to the right leads to Moleto
(hamlet belonging to Ottiglio), a very attractive Saracen village, where very
few families now live; anyone wanting a completely tranquil getaway will
find charming lodgings here, and a timeless atmosphere.
Don’t miss a visit to the nearby village of Olivola, made entirely of “cantone”
stone, rich in atmosphere and history, and famous for its jazz concerts: a visit
to the old Romanesque parish church of San Pietro is not to be missed – from
the churchyard you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views over the
Monferrato hills. Lastly, Frassinello Monferrato for its two castles, Sacchi
Nemours and Lignano, and for the chapel of San Bernardo by Guala.
Valcerrina and the Moncalvo area
The westernmost part of the area. Has the steepest hills and the wildest
woods. Coming from Turin, you enter the area from Murisengo, with a
millennium history, and ancient Castle (that can not be visited) and the
eighteenth-century Churces, it’s renowned for the annual truffle festival.
In the neighbourhood is Villamiroglio, a village founded in 1164; to be
visited is the XVIth century parish church dedicated to San Filippo.
A few kilometres away is Cerrina, with gothic "Casaforte" and the ancient
Castle of Montalero.; the Longobard and Carolingian Mombello; in the
historical centre, the Casa Tornielli and the churches of San Pietro Apostolo,
and San Sebastiano are noteworthy, as is the sanctuary of San Gottardo in
Pozzengo. The Gambarello estate bordering the Turin road is a large late-18th
century farming estate.
And yet again, Solonghello, on a hillock around the remains of a stately XIIth
century castle in the process of restoration.
Nearby is Gabiano, a Genoese landed estate donated by Charlemagne to the
Novalesa. The castle (not open to the public), which dates back to early 13th
century, enjoys wonderful views.
In nearby Cantavenna, Rubino, one of the rarest and most exclusive of DOC
wines (Controlled Designation of Origin) is produced. A visit to Camino is a
must, to see one of the most beautiful castles of the area: a tower dating back
to year 1000 and the Sala delle Corne with its hunting trophies coming from
Venaria Reale and valuable ceramics from the school of Luca della Robbia.
Visits are subject to booking. At Rocca delle Donne there is a monastery and a
stunning view over the chequered sea of flooded rice-fields. In Moncestino
the Castle on the Po river ,the parish and the Chapel of S. Sebastiano and S.
Rocco.
Southwards, in the village of Madonnina di Serralunga di Crea, one
absolutely must climb to the top of the Sacred Mount of Crea (altitude 443
mt above sea level), the Regional Natural Park in included in UNESCO’s
World Heritage list. It enjoys of a breathtaking panorama and it is the centre
of the Monferrato religion. The Sanctuary safeguards paintings and frescos
by artists of great relevance. We recommend a visit to the 23 chapels on the
way up to the one known as “Paradiso”. In Serralunga di Crea there is the
house of Cesare Pavese and the Castle in Forneglio. Furthermore the Castles
in Ponzano and Salabue, where’s also located the eighteenth-century Villa
Larbel.
Further on towards Asti you encounter the Aleramo town of Moncalvo with
the ruins of the ancient castle, under the ramparts of which people still play
at “elastic ball” (balun) or tamburello (tambas). The town is particularly wellknown for the festival of the “Fat Ox” and the Truffle Fair. There is a
beautiful view from the central square to the belvedere.
Not far off, towards the interior on hilly terrain, spreads Alfiano Natta,
formerly belonging to the Marquis of Monferrato and subsequently becoming
the Natta family landed estate from the XVIth century until the beginning of
XXth. In the vicinity, the Razzano Castle is of great interest.
The Po River plain and its surroundings
In the Po River Park area, from Casale to Valenza, in a mostly flat area, are
found the hamlets with the typical characteristics of the local plain: Borgo
San Martino, the hometown of the poet Ravasenga; Pomaro’s imposing
castle, Bozzole’s Madonna dell’Argine; Frassineto Po’s splendid town hall
square, the churches of Sant’Ambrogio and the Madonna degli Angeli;
Mirabello’s Baldesco Castle; Occimiano’s parish church of San Valerio;
Giarole’s ancient Sannazzaro Castle, Rivarone, town of cherries; Pecetto of
Roman origin and San Salvatore Monferrato home of Igino Ugo Tarchetti
and the well-known literature biennial.
In Valenza, extremely important centre at world level for the goldsmith and
jewellery-making crafts, is situated the Po River Park, with its famous Heron
Colony and a very interesting visitors’ centre where you can come into close
contact with nature and wildlife.
Nearby, going further the Po river plain, we reach Mede, rich of history, that
was already an important economic centre in the romanic age; Sartirana with
the fourteenth-century Castle, where takes place the annual international
antique fair and also seat for various events;
Breme and it’s ancients monuments, the Crypt and the beautiful Baptist of
the Xth century and the San Pietro Abbey of the XVth century.
On the banks of the Po
The stretch of the Po River that begins in the chequered sea of rice fields,
from Crescentino which is remarkable for the Sanctuary of the Madonna del
Palazzo and the works by Flemish artists and by Moncalvo that are housed in
the town hall, speak of ancient tales and the songs of the rice-weeders. We
then reach Trino with the princedom of Lucedio and the chapel of
San Michele. Further on is Fontanetto Po, an agricultural centre among the
rice-fields where you can visit the mill of San Giovanni, an impressive
example of agricultural archaeology with three floors of the original
mechanisms made entirely of wood; Morano, with the beautiful Pobietto
grange, an ancient community of rice-weeders. Here can be found an
interesting photographic exhibition of the community and some 19th century
agricultural machinery; Pontestura, between the plain and the hills, with the
“Deposito museale di Colombotto Rosso”and the tools museum.
Then there is Coniolo, which lies above the Po and enjoys a scenic view over
the plain and the rice-fields of the Monferrato area which, at sunset, are
spectacular when flooded; the church of San Michele in Balzola, is worth a
visit for its four large paintings from the early period of Pier Francesco Guala.
Villanova, which was a free town, has the church of Sant’Emiliano , and the
Madonna by Guala which is kept in the Town Hall.