Monferrato

Monferrato to Visit: MIRATE GUIDE

Why it is called Monferrato

There is no particular explanation; this is the only certainty! According to the Ricaldone, it comes from the two words Monte and Farro. Others claim it is the pairing of Monte Fertile. Whatever its origin, one thing is sure: Monferrato is worth discovering, for it is a lesser-known gem than the neighboring Langhe but just as fascinating.

Where is Monferrato located?

Monferrato is a hidden treasure in the heart of Piedmont, among rolling hills and endless vineyards. This truly remarkable region stretches with its magnificent landscape between the provinces of Asti, Cuneo, and Alessandria. It is an integral part of the UNESCO area of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato.

Its principal cities, such as Asti, Alessandria, Casale Monferrato, and others, are custodians of a rich and fascinating history, visible in Romanesque churches, majestic castles, and welcoming squares.

What to see in the Monferrato region?

ACQUI TERME

• The Boiling: This town was known by this name, and its history goes back as far as the Roman Empire!
• Castle of the Paleologi: The castle was founded by bishops around 1000 and completely renovated around 400. Today, it is home to an Archaeological Museum with very interesting exhibits.
• What to taste: Brachetto, Dolcetto and Moscato d’Asti. A specialty is “filetto baciato,” a special raw salami of ancient tradition.

ASTI

• Alfieri Square is the center of the city and the scene of the famous Palio of Asti. It is a distinctive triangular shape surrounded by palaces and arcades. The market that takes place every Saturday right in the square is interesting.
• Ottolenghi Palace: The Baroque palace, now home to the Museo del Risorgimento, was built in the 1700s.
• Medieval Towers: Torre Rossa, Torre Troyana, and Torre De Regibus, symbols of the city’s mercantile and banking past towns.

• The Underground Cathedrals are tunnels dug into the tuff between the 16th and 19th centuries, used for aging wines. The historic cellars that can be visited are Bosca, Contratto, Coppo, and Gancia.
• UNESCO recognition: the project that made Langhe-Roero and Monferrato a World Heritage Site was born here!

CASALE MONFERRATO

• The Castle of the Paleologi (or Gonzaga Castle): fortification with a hexagonal plan and fascinating dungeons.
• The Synagogue of Casale, built in 1595, houses precious Torah scrolls and an Enlightenment museum.
• Nearby villages: Cereseto, Ottiglio, Vignale, and Montemagno are not to be missed.
• What to taste: Krumiri and Grignolino del Monferrato.

GAVI and NOVI LIGURE

• Fort of Gavi: Genoese fortress from the 1500s, later turned into a prison during the World Wars.
• Novi Ligure is a city rich in noble palaces and historic villas, with visible Genoese influences. Worth visiting is the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena. The Municipal Cemetery, the Pieve di Santa Maria, is the oldest religious building in the city (12th century).

 

Castles and Fortresses of Monferrato

• Gabiano Monferrato Castle: known for its labyrinth, a rare documented example in historic gardens in Piedmont. It is home to a prestigious winery and a luxury hotel.
• Uviglie Castle: Medieval mansion, historic cellar,s and a tower supporting a roof garden
• Camino Castle: Its origins date back to the 11th century. Its rooms have frescoes inspired by Don Quixote. It boasts unmissable views of the surrounding plains.

   

 

Monferrato wineries for memorable tastings.

For wine lovers, Monferrato offers unique experiences in its historic wineries:

• Bosca (Nizza Monferrato) – Production of Barbera d’Asti Superiore.
• Cascina Garatina – Organic wines with a special focus on Barbera del Monferrato.
• Cinque Quinti (Cella Monte) – Winery run by five brothers, combined with the beauty of one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.
• La Scolca (Gavi) – Historic winery in Gavi, famous for its whites and sparkling wines.

 

Romanesque Churches of Monferrato

• The Cathedral of Asti is a Romanesque masterpiece dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta.
• Church of San Secondo (Cortazzone): medieval frescoes in an evocative setting.
• Church of San Lorenzo (Montiglio Monferrato): refined Romanesque architecture.
• Basilica of San Giovanni Battista (Casale Monferrato) has an imposing bell tower and frescoes.
• Church of San Bartolomeo (Cocconato): Impressive bell tower and prime location among the vineyards

   

Itineraries on foot or by bicycle

If you want something away from the usual tourist routes, I suggest some lesser-known but fascinating places!

• Maranzana and the Babaci: A village where the streets come alive with babaci (rag dolls), which tell scenes of daily life.
• The Casorzo Bi-tree: A rare natural phenomenon: a cherry tree growing on top of a mulberry tree, creating a spectacular sight!
• The Infernot are tuff stone cellars used for storing wine. A UNESCO heritage site, they are located in Grazzano Badoglio, Ottiglio, Vignale Monferrato, Sala Monferrato, Treville, and Cella Monte.

If you then wanted an organized tour with a map to follow, I suggest an e-bike tour: Monferrato bike Tour Monferrato bike Tour