Monferrato Alessandrino: 3-Day Itinerary Among Castles, Fortresses, and Historic Villages

Starting your itinerary of the Monferrato Alessandrino Castles at the Palaeologus Castle means immediately immersing yourself in history. Located in Piazza Castello in Casale Monferrato, this imposing building dates back to the 10th century and was expanded under the Palaeologus family in the 15th century. Today it houses the Civic Museum, with local archaeological finds and a section dedicated to Leonardo Bistolfi's plaster cast collection. Its frescoed halls and towers offer panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. It's an ideal starting point to understand the architectural evolution of Monferrato, from its military origins to Renaissance transformations.

The Cathedral of Saint Evasius, located in Largo Monsignor Giuseppe Angrisani in Casale Monferrato, is an imposing Romanesque basilica dating back to the 11th century. The brick and sandstone façade, with its rose window and decorated portals, leads into a majestic interior characterized by five aisles supported by ancient columns, some of Roman origin. Notable features include the 12th-century marble pulpit and the 14th-century frescoes in the crypt, which depict stories of saints. This site is a key stop on the itinerary of the Castles of Monferrato Alessandrino, offering a moment of reflection between fortress visits. Its architecture, with Lombard and French influences, reflects the area's rich history of cultural exchange. I recommend observing the carved capitals, which feature animals and biblical scenes—often overlooked details of great artistic value.

Leaving behind the solemnity of Sant'Evasio Cathedral, the route continues towards Gozzani di Treville Palace, located on Via Goffredo Mameli. This 18th-century building, designed by architect Giovanni Battista Scapitta, is an example of Piedmontese Baroque architecture, with a sober façade that conceals interiors rich in detail. The palace, once the residence of the noble Gozzani family, stands out for its porticoed courtyard and the frescoes decorating some rooms, including those by Giovanni Antonio Cucchi. Today it hosts cultural events and exhibitions, maintaining its vital role in the urban fabric of Casale Monferrato. I recommend observing the decorative stucco details and the monumental staircase, elements that speak to the prestige of Monferrato families. This stop offers a contrast with the medieval fortresses on the itinerary, highlighting the artistic evolution of the area.

After leaving Casale Monferrato, the second day begins with the Castle of Uviglie, located in Rosignano Monferrato along the SP42. This manor, dating back to the 10th century, dominates the surrounding hills with its imposing red brick structure and crenellated towers. Originally owned by the Marquises of Monferrato, it has undergone several transformations over the centuries while retaining medieval elements such as the defensive walls and internal chapel. Today it's known for its vineyards producing DOC wines like Grignolino, with visitable cellars. I recommend exploring the inner courtyard and climbing the towers to admire the panoramic views over the vineyards and neighboring villages. This stop combines history and enology, offering an authentic taste of the territory.

The San Giorgio Castle, located in San Giorgio Monferrato on Via Gozzani di San Giorgio, is an architectural gem dating back to the Middle Ages. Its massive structure, with towers and crenellated walls, rises on a hill offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Inside, visitors can admire frescoed halls and period furnishings, testaments to the noble life of the past. The castle has been carefully restored, preserving its authentic atmosphere and allowing visitors to explore inner courtyards and secret passages. An ideal place to immerse yourself in local history, away from tourist crowds, where every corner tells stories of battles and Renaissance feasts. I recommend taking time to appreciate the architectural details, such as the bifora windows and monumental fireplaces, which make this stop a unique experience on the Monferrato Alessandrino Castles route.

The Paleologa Tower is located in the San Salvatore Monferrato Tower Park, a green area that offers a relaxing atmosphere after visiting castles. Built in the 14th century, this tower was part of Monferrato's defensive system and takes its name from the Paleologo family, who ruled the region. The structure, made of exposed brick, rises about 20 meters and preserves original architectural elements like arrow slits. The surrounding park is ideal for a peaceful break, with benches and paths that allow you to admire the surrounding countryside. It's not always accessible inside, but the exterior is worth visiting for its imposing presence and scenic context. I recommend taking advantage of the tranquility to photograph the panorama, which stretches across hills covered with vineyards, typical of this area of Alessandrino.

The Gavi Fortress rises majestically on a rocky spur overlooking the valley, offering a spectacular view from the moment you arrive. Originally built as a medieval castle and later expanded into a military fortress between the 17th and 18th centuries, this complex played a strategic role for centuries, controlling communication routes between Piedmont and Liguria. Its massive walls and angular bastions tell tales of sieges and dominations, from the Genoese to the Savoys. Inside, you can walk along pathways, courtyards, and cells, with observation points overlooking the Cortese vineyards. Access requires a fee, but it's worth every euro for the authentic atmosphere and preserved details, such as the artillery positions. I recommend dedicating at least an hour to explore every corner, perhaps with a guide to uncover lesser-known anecdotes.

The Sorli Castle stands imposingly on a rocky spur in Borghetto di Borbera, offering one of the most spectacular views of the entire itinerary. Built in the 12th century as a defensive outpost, it has maintained its original structure with crenellated towers and powerful walls. Today it is privately owned but visitable by reservation, allowing visitors to discover the well-preserved interiors and the noble chapel. The strategic position dominates the entire Borbera Valley, with panoramic vistas stretching all the way to the Apennines. The main tower, over 25 meters high, provides a unique observation point over the surrounding landscape. During the visit, architectural details such as the original arrow slits and patrol walkways can be appreciated, testifying to the military importance it held in controlling medieval trade routes.

The Libarna Archaeological Area in Serravalle Scrivia welcomes you with the remains of a Roman city founded along the Via Postumia in the 2nd century BC. Here you can walk among the foundations of houses, workshops, and baths, imagining daily life from two thousand years ago. The Roman theatre, partially preserved, is one of the main highlights, with its cavea that could accommodate thousands of spectators. The visible structures also include parts of the forum and paved streets, showcasing the urban organization of the era. Its strategic location along the ancient consular road made it an important commercial centre, as evidenced by the artefacts displayed in the nearby Antiquarium. The visit is self-guided, with informative panels explaining each area, ideal for a leisurely exploration between history and archaeology.