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Casale: The City of Monferrato

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Let’s discover the wonders of this city and some of its lesser-known curiosities. Casale Monferrato is a town in the province of Alessandria, in the Piedmont region of Italy. It lies at the foot of the eastern hills of Monferrato and is crossed by the River Po. The historic center of the city has an aristocratic and solemn appearance that reflects the grandeur of its past and its historical role as a strategic stronghold. The surrounding territory is exceptionally fertile and rich in vineyards that produce the renowned wines Barbera, Freisa, Grignolino, Dolcetto, and Rubino. The town, of Roman origin, was granted by Emperor Charles III, known as “the Fat,” to the Diocese of Vercelli, from which it rebelled in 1215. It was subsequently razed by the people of Vercelli but rose again thanks to Frederick II of Swabia. Over the centuries, Casale came under the rule of the marquises of the Aleramici family, then the Visconti, followed by the Paleologi, and later the Gonzaga and the House...
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A place among the rice fields: the Abbey of Lucedio

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Let’s travel to the Vercelli area, where we discover this abbey that once served as a landmark in the "land of rice". The Abbey of Santa Maria di Lucedio is located in Lucedio, one of the hamlets of the municipality of Trino, in the province of Vercelli, Piedmont. It was founded in the early 12th century by a group of monks from the Cistercian Order, who came from the monastery of La Ferté in Burgundy. The land they settled on—partly marshy and partly wooded—had been donated to them by Marquis Ranieri I of Montferrat. These monks were the first to introduce rice cultivation to Italy, making Lucedio the birthplace of Italian rice. From this location, the system of "grange" farms spread—agricultural enterprises developed through deforestation and land leveling. After reclaiming the area, the abbey was likely built around 1123. From that moment, under the careful leadership of its abbots, it began to expand both spiritually and temporally. One abbot who particular...
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The Valentino Park: A Jewel of the Piedmontese Capital

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The green area along the Po River is one of Turin’s lush lungs, full of charm and beauty. Valentino Park is a public park located in Turin, in the historic district of San Salvario, just a stone’s throw from the city center. In the 13th century, a chapel dedicated to St. Valentine of Terni is believed to have stood here, housing relics of the saint. After its destruction, the sacred remains were transferred to the Church of St. Vito. This vast park, covering an area of 42.10 hectares, is considered one of Turin’s most iconic landmarks. The entire area was purchased in the 16th century by Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy. Between 1630 and 1660, the park became home to the namesake Castello del Valentino , a splendid 16th-century Savoyard residence and now one of the city's historic buildings. Frequently renovated, the castle features a French Baroque style and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it serves as a university facility. Valentino Park is the outstanding re...
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A Testament of Popular Faith: The Passion of Romagnano Sesia

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On Good Friday, we discover one of the many re-enactments of the Way of the Cross. Since 1729, every odd-numbered year, the so-called Good Friday of Romagnano Sesia brings to life, through the streets of this town at the foot of the Valsesia Valley, the Passion, Crucifixion, and Death of Jesus Christ. The village is transformed into an authentic Jerusalem of its time, thanks to the participation of around 350 costumed actors, extras, mounted soldiers, and standard bearers. From Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday, a series of sacred and evocative scenes from the Holy Week drama unfold, rich in spiritual and emotional impact. This Sacred Re-enactment takes place through fifteen moving tableaux. On Good Friday, two processions pass through Romagnano Sesia: one in the morning, featuring the traditional sound of distinctive rattles known as Tinebre and a band of drummers, and another procession in the evening. Throughout the four days of the event, the various scenes are repeated between Pia...
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Trip to the Fort of Gavi and the Ovada Area

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Let’s head to the Alessandria region, in southern Piedmont, where Ligurian influences start to become more prominent. Gavi Ligure is a municipality with very ancient origins located in the Lemme Valley, in the province of Alessandria, in the Upper Monferrato region of Piedmont. The town has retained its name “Ligure” to this day, as it was under the rule of the Republic of Genoa for a long period. It is recognized as an “Orange Flag” destination by the Italian Touring Club and is especially renowned for the production of Cortese di Gavi DOCG , one of the most famous white wines in the world. This wine pairs excellently with white fish dishes, as well as with smoked salmon, oysters, clams, and prawns. The rolling hills of the Gavi area take their name from the town itself, which lies between the districts of Tortona and Ovada, near the border between Liguria and Piedmont. In the past, Gavi was completely surrounded by walls, remnants of which can still be seen today in certain sect...
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Discovering the area between Verbania and Cannobio: a corner of lake and mountain

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  We discover the last Piedmontese section of Lake Maggiore with what it has to offer. If you find yourself exploring Lake Maggiore, you cannot miss the beauty hidden along the road that connects Verbania to Cannobio, a route that winds through breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages and unspoilt nature. This area, which embraces the Piedmont shore of the lake and borders the Ticino, is a real jewel to be discovered, without haste and with the desire to be surprised. Verbania: the starting point The journey begins in Verbania, the main town of Verbano, a place worth visiting before setting off. With its lakeside promenade, elegant parks and historic villas, Verbania in itself offers a pleasant introduction to the lake. If you have time, a visit to Villa Taranto is a must: the botanical garden is one of the most beautiful in Italy, a riot of flowers, exotic plants and spectacular views of the lake. From Verbania, start your journey northwards, skirting the lake and immersi...
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At the Sacred Mount of Ghiffa

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  We continue our series on the Sacred Mounts by heading into the Verbano area. The Sacred Mount of Ghiffa is located along the slopes of Mount Cargiago, in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola (Piedmont region). This Sacred Mount consists of three chapels, dedicated respectively to the Coronation of the Virgin Mary, to Saint John the Baptist, and to Abraham. The path is completed by the 18th-century portico with fourteen arches that hosts the Via Crucis, flanked by the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity. It is the smallest among the Sacred Mounts of Piedmont. On Mount Cargiago, overlooking the western shore of Lake Maggiore, a Romanesque oratory dedicated to the Trinity had already been built in the 13th century. This is a special place, considered miraculous by local tradition and, as such, a destination for pilgrimages. Dirt roads and trails once connected the lake to Mount Cargiago, making it easier for pilgrims to travel. Along these mule tra...
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