Top 7 Castles around Sardigliano
Best castles around Sardigliano are found within the broader Alessandria Province, a region in Piedmont known for its historical fortifications and varied landscapes. While Sardigliano itself is a small municipality, the surrounding area offers several notable historical sites. The region features a mix of medieval fortresses, transformed country residences, and impressive ruins. Visitors can explore these historical landmarks within a reasonable driving distance, showcasing the rich heritage of Piedmont.
Best castles around Sardigliano
- The most popular castles is Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia, a castle that features a 14th-century fortress and a well-preserved multi-storey defensive structure. It stands out for its architectural integrity and historical significance in Piedmont.
- Another must-see spot is Sorli Castle, a ruined castle and historical site. Visitors can explore the remains of this 12th-century castle, located at 661 meters, offering panoramic views of the Scrivia and Borbera Valleys.
- Visitors also love Novi Ligure Castle, a castle with an imposing tower located in a park on a small hill. It is special for its historical role as the northern border of the Republic of Genoa, with its tower and sections of walls still visible today.
- Sardigliano is known for its medieval fortresses, defensive towers, and transformed noble residences. The area offers a variety of castles, from well-preserved structures to scenic ruins, each telling a part of the region's history.
- The castles around Sardigliano are appreciated by the komoot community, with 14 photos and 14 upvotes highlighting their appeal.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia
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Sorli Castle
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Novi Ligure Castle
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Tower of the Castle of Arquata
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Vargo Castle and Tower
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Tips from the Community
Vargo has had a castle known since 1157, the year of the invasions of Barbarossa's troops, but this construction was actually built as a signal tower in the Lombard era and is part of the so-called line of castles documented by Pertica.
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departure from Dario's bar (unfortunately we didn't meet him but the guy there was simply very kind) and collection of credentials
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Vargo is a hamlet of the municipality of Stazzano (AL) at about 410 m above sea level. During the Middle Ages it was an imperial fiefdom under the Genoese families of Fieschi and then Doria. In 1797 it was annexed to the Ligurian Republic and after the fall of Napoleon it followed the fate of the province of Novi, becoming part of Piedmont in 1859 with the Rattazzi Decree. It was an independent municipality until 1928. Vargo has a castle known since 1157, the year of the invasions of the troops following Barbarossa, but this construction was actually born as a signal tower in the Lombard era and is part of the so-called line of castles. The town developed concentrically around the “castle”, rebuilt by the Fieschi family of Genoa, lords of Vargo since 1413: after the conspiracy against the said feudal lords, it was dismantled in 1442, and later passed to the Doria family in 1547. Next to what must have been the south-east walls, there is still an oratory dedicated to the Virgin of the Annunciation, while today the once fortified structure is partly used as a residence, and the very visible main tower, inside which are the living quarters of the last owner, has not been altered.
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Symbol of Arquata, it is located on a hill overlooking the valley, it is approximately 22 meters high and built in Montaldero stone. It was part of the Castle, of which a few ruins of the mighty walls that sloped down from the hill and surrounded the old village and part of the walls of the keep that surrounded it are still visible. The Castle of Arquata had considerable strategic importance, so much so that it was disputed between many cities, but above all by Genoa and Tortona. But when Tortona managed to definitively take over the village of Arquata, purchasing it in 1244, a condition of stability was reached. The castle was rebuilt with the elevation of a tower and a new village at the base of the hill, close to the ancient Via Postumia, all surrounded by defense walls. As time passes, the strategic importance of the castle with its tower diminishes, and as it is a predominantly military structure, it is gradually abandoned. As the centuries passed, the old, increasingly dilapidated tower was struck by lightning which made its static nature even worse. In fact, on the morning of October 29, 1933, lightning struck part of the eastern corner, throwing large stones a great distance away.
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The castle of Carbonara Scrivia dates back to the 14th century or early 15th century, according to some documents found. The typical construction called "dongione" was built by Pierino Cameri on a previous property owned by the Curolo family, lords of Carbonara, who declined starting from 1246.
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The castle of Novi Ligure is located near the historic center of Novi Ligure and was for centuries the extreme northern border of the Republic of Genoa. It is part of the "Open Castles" circuit of Lower Piedmont. Only the tower and some sections of the surrounding walls remain of the castle, which today delimit part of the large park. It was crowned by a Ghibelline battlement which has been lost but is still perceptible, despite the current covering with a tile roof.
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Path from the village of Sorli to the castle Not pedalable..very steep climb, large stones, wood and deep holes. The descent is also difficult...
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The Tower, on a hill overlooking the valley, is a symbol of Arquata. It is 22 meters high and was built in Montaldero stone. It was once part of the castle, of which some ruins remain of the mighty walls that descended from the hill and surrounded the old village. The Castle of Arquata had considerable strategic importance and was disputed between Genoa and Tortona. It is not very well maintained, but still worth a visit, and can be admired even from the center of the small town.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Sardigliano?
The region around Sardigliano offers a diverse range of castles, from well-preserved medieval fortresses to impressive ruins and transformed noble residences. You can find structures like the 14th-century Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia, the ruined 12th-century Sorli Castle, and the imposing tower of Novi Ligure Castle. Further afield, there are also grand estates like Castello Balbi di Piovera and the continuously family-owned Castello Sannazzaro.
Are there any castles around Sardigliano that offer panoramic views?
Yes, Sorli Castle, a ruined 12th-century fortress located at 661 meters, provides fabulous panoramic views of the Scrivia and Borbera Valleys. The Tower of the Castle of Arquata also sits on a hill overlooking the valley, offering scenic vistas.
Which castles are particularly rich in history and architectural significance?
The Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia is a notable 14th-century fortress known for its architectural integrity and well-preserved multi-storey defensive structure. The Castello di Pozzolo Formigaro, a 14th-century defensive fortress now serving as the municipal seat, features impressive frescoes. Further out, Castello Balbi di Piovera has origins dating back to the 14th century and underwent significant Baroque redesigns, while Castello Sannazzaro has been continuously owned by the same family since the 1200s.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Sardigliano?
Yes, several castles in the area are considered family-friendly. The Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia and the Castello di Pozzolo Formigaro are both listed as family-friendly. Castello Balbi di Piovera, though a bit further, offers guided tours and a vast English landscape garden, which can be enjoyable for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Sardigliano offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, mountain biking, and running. For example, there are challenging road cycling loops like the 'Fausto Coppi House Museum – Passo Coppi loop' and mountain biking trails such as the 'Monte San Vito Summit – View of Garbagna loop'. Running enthusiasts can explore routes like the 'Fausto Coppi House Museum – Parish Church of San Biagio loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Road Cycling Routes around Sardigliano, MTB Trails around Sardigliano, and Running Trails around Sardigliano guides.
Are there hiking opportunities near the castles?
While specific hiking trails directly to every castle aren't detailed, the area around Sorli Castle is known for its suggestive location and panoramic views, implying walking or hiking access to its ruined site. The broader Sardigliano area, as indicated by fan-out queries, is popular for hiking, and many routes offer views of the surrounding landscape, potentially including distant castles. For detailed hiking routes, you can explore the various komoot guides for the region.
What is the best time of year to visit castles around Sardigliano?
The best time to visit the castles and explore the region around Sardigliano is generally during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, ideal for exploring historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer or the chill of winter. This also allows for comfortable walks around castle grounds and scenic viewpoints.
Are there any castles that look like they are straight out of a fairy tale?
Yes, Cereseto Castle, located about 60-70 kilometers from Sardigliano, is often described as looking like something out of a fairy tale. While its construction dates to the early 20th century, its imposing appearance and well-preserved external walls make it a popular spot for admiration and photography, even though its interior is not currently open to the public.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Sardigliano?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical significance and architectural integrity of structures like the Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia. The panoramic views from sites such as Sorli Castle are also highly praised. The komoot community has highlighted the appeal of these sites with numerous photos and upvotes, underscoring their visual charm and historical value.
Can I find accommodation or places to eat near the castles?
While Sardigliano itself is a small municipality, the broader Alessandria Province, where these castles are located, offers various options for accommodation, cafes, and restaurants. Larger towns near the castles, such as Novi Ligure or those closer to Castello Balbi di Piovera or Castello Sannazzaro, will have more choices for dining and lodging to suit different preferences.
Is public transport available to reach the castles?
Access to many of the castles in the Alessandria Province often requires a car, as they are situated in rural or elevated locations. While some larger towns like Novi Ligure may have public transport connections, reaching specific castle sites directly by public transport can be challenging. It's advisable to check local transport options for each specific castle you plan to visit.
Are there any castles that are still privately owned and inhabited?
Yes, Castello Sannazzaro in Giarole is a unique example. It has remained in the possession of the Sannazzaro family throughout its history since the 1200s, and they still reside there today. This offers a rare glimpse into centuries of continuous family history within a historical fortification.
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