Top 8 Castles around Canelli

The Castle of Monastero Bormida was not originally built as a defensive structure but as a Benedictine monastery, founded around 1050 by monks from the Abbey of Fruttuaria, called by the Aleramici Marquises to reclaim the lands devastated by Saracen raids. The 27-meter tower still visible today was originally the bell tower, and the river flowing a few meters from the southern tower confirms the non-military nature of the building. In 1393, the Benedictines abandoned the monastery, and its feudal history began: the fief passed to the Del Carretto marquises, who in the 15th century added the first defensive structures, transforming it into a castle. The building is a quadrangular structure with an internal courtyard, protected by towers on multiple sides and connected to the former bell tower by a small suspension bridge. On the south facade, there is a two-arched Renaissance loggia with a small stone column. Inside, the rooms on the main floor—transformed in the 17th century—feature mosaic floors and sail and cross vaults with frescoes of floral and geometric motifs. The castle later passed to the Della Rovere family and subsequently to the Genoese Polleri family, finally becoming the property of the Municipality starting in 1880. Today it is open to visitors and is part of the regional circuit "Castelli Aperti".

Beautiful old arched bridge.

"Castle" of Monastero Bormida Place of tourist, historical, architectural and cultural interest Piazza Castello, 1, 14058 Monastero Bormida AT http://www.comune.monasterobormida.at.it/ 014488450

The tower joined to the castle by a medieval arch

The climb that leads from Canelli to Gancia castle passes through splendid vines. This climb is steep at times and was tackled by the 2023 Giro d'Italia women. The Gancia castle is currently a private villa and cannot be visited: on the other hand, the panoramic views are magnificent.

The castle, configured in a single and imposing square volume, reveals evident architectural stylistic differences, originating from the layout choices undertaken in the 17th century by the legitimate owners. Starting from 1625, the Asinari nobles shared the rank of "counts of Costigliole" with the noble Verasis family. This complex was therefore divided between two feudal lords, who, with autonomous determination, gave rise to transformations and embellishments on subjective bases. The northern part of the manor, pertaining to the Asinari, retains the appearance derived from the interventions of the second half of the eighteenth century, duly inspired by the architectural canons propagated by Benedetto Alfieri. At the same time, the external aspect of the southern part, pertaining to the Verasis, constitutes an interesting example of neo-medieval stylistic re-proposition, dating back to the first decades of the 19th century.

Montegrosso d'Asti, a municipality located in the province of Asti, is a fascinating treasure chest in the heart of Piedmont. Located between the Langhe and Monferrato hills, the entire municipal area enjoys UNESCO recognition. Located just 15 km from Asti, Montegrosso proudly claims its winemaking tradition, with particular emphasis on the fine Barbera d'Asti DOCG. The feudal castle of Montegrosso d'Asti, built in 1134 on commission by the Marquis Bonifacio del Vasto, lord of Asti, majestically dominates the large surrounding hilly area.

The castle of Costigliole d'Asti, built in medieval times and subject to restoration over the centuries, is an important stage in the "Castelli Aperti" circuit of Lower Piedmont. In 1041, Arrigo III officially conferred possession on the Church of Asti. Subsequently, the castle passed under the authority of Bonifacio del Vasto. In 1198, it was Asti that took possession of the castle, establishing statutory regulations. Built on top of the Costigliole fortress, this mighty quadrangular castle, with a base of 60 meters on each side and a height of 25 meters, is one of the grandest in the Asti area.