Attractions and Places To See around Cerrina Monferrato - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Cerrina Monferrato include historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features within the picturesque Monferrato Casalese region of Piedmont. The area is characterized by rolling hills, vineyards, and forests, forming a landscape recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Visitors can explore ancient castles, significant religious buildings, and charming villages. This region offers a blend of history and natural beauty, providing various points of interest for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Cerrina Monferrato
- The most popular attractions is Grazzano Badoglio Historic Center, a historical site with Roman origins. This village developed around the Benedictine Abbey of San Salvatore, founded in 961.
- Another must-see spot is Sanctuary of the Madonna di Crea, a religious building and protected nature reserve. Founded in 1589, it features 23 chapels and 5 hermitages, offering views of the Alpine chain and surrounding hills.
- Visitors also love Camino Castle, a castle with crenellated walls and towers. This spectacular castle dominates the ancient village from above, nestled among centuries-old trees.
- Cerrina Monferrato is known for historical sites, religious buildings, and castles. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient structures to natural reserves.
- The attractions around Cerrina Monferrato are appreciated by the komoot community, with 121 upvotes and 77 photos shared across 5 highlights.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Grazzano Badoglio Historic Center
Highlight • Historical Site
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Sanctuary of the Madonna di Crea
Highlight • Religious Site
Along the route you will encounter 23 chapels and 5 hermitages, among which the evocative chapel of Paradise, dedicated to the Coronation of Mary, stands out. From here, your gaze is lost in a breathtaking panorama that embraces the Alpine chain and the surrounding rolling hills.
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Camino Castle
Highlight • Castle
As with many ancient buildings in Italy, there are many legends about the castle of Camino. One of the most recurrent narrates that in the year 1494, Count Scarampo Scarampi, feudal lord of the Marquis of Monferrato, was accused of making forays into neighboring villages causing problems such as thefts and fires. After a long siege of the castle, which lasted two months, it was captured by the militias of Costantino Aranite, prefect of Casale.
His wife, the Marquise Camilla, managed to escape from a secret passage and reach Casale to ask for a safe conduct for her husband's life. Scarampo Scarampi, however, had already been beheaded by those who had imprisoned him. When she learned of her husband's sad fate, out of desperation, the Marquise Camilla threw herself from the tower. Now, she walks around the battlements of the castle crying, while her husband walks around the manor with his head in his hand.
Legend aside, in the inner courtyard of the castle of Camino there is the sarcophagus of the noble Scarampo, depicted at rest holding his head with his left hand.
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Cereseto Castle
Highlight • Castle
The castle was built in the early twentieth century.
Unfortunately, today the interior of the castle cannot be visited, but many people go to the village to see the imposing Cereseto castle from the outside and immortalize its beauty in their photographs.
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Church of the Most Holy Name of Mary (Our Lady of the Vines)
Highlight • Religious Site
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Tips from the Community
I know the town, I usually pass through it when I go to Moncalvo on my bike tour. Wonderful routes from a landscape perspective and not very busy.
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Grazzano Badoglio, a small town in the Monferrato area of Asti, has Roman origins linked to the legionary Gratius. The village developed around the Benedictine Abbey of San Salvatore, founded in 961 by the Marquis Aleramo, who is buried here. In 1939, the name was changed from Grazzano Monferrato to Grazzano Badoglio to honor the general and politician Pietro Badoglio, born here in 1871.
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Nestled among centuries-old trees, Camino Castle dominates the ancient village from above and contributes to one of the most easily recognizable hilltop profiles of the Lower Monferrato.
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The German-language television series "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity" - which I highly recommend - is dedicated to short film clips featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites from all continents and eras. This includes the "Sacri Monti" in northern Italy (there are eight of these "Sacred Mountains" in Piedmont, and a ninth in Lombardy), which are presented to culture-loving viewers in a 15-minute segment. This can be accessed in the ARD Media Library at the following link =>> https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/heilige-berge-in-piemont-italien-folge-396/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS84ODgxMzc2
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On the top of a hill immersed in a splendid landscape of vineyards, stands the Sacro Monte di Crea, founded in 1589. Inspired by the Sacro Monte di Varallo, it was born as a pilgrimage destination and today it is an enchanting place, perfect for walking among the greenery of the protected nature reserve. Along the route you will encounter 23 chapels and 5 hermitages, among which the evocative chapel of Paradise, dedicated to the Coronation of Mary, stands out. From here, your gaze is lost in a breathtaking panorama that embraces the Alpine chain and the surrounding rolling hills.
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In the heart of Monferrato, on the top of a hill surrounded by a wonderful wine-growing landscape, stands the Sacro Monte di Crea, founded in 1589 on the initiative of Costantino Massino, Lateran prior of the Sanctuary of the Madonna Assunta. Costantino Massino proposed building a religious itinerary inspired by the Sacro Monte di Varallo, to encourage prayer and meditation and to renew the Marian devotion linked to the Sanctuary, a pilgrimage destination of considerable importance since the 11th century. The strong bond between the sanctuary and the ruling dynasty in Monferrato made the duke, the nobility, the high clergy and the local communities participate in the enterprise. In the first phase of the history of the Sacro Monte, which ended around 1657, important artists also active in the Sacri Monti of Orta, Varallo and Varese worked there, including Moncalvo, the Prestinari and the de Wespin, authors of the spectacular sculptural complex of the Chapel of Paradise (c. 23), created in the years between 1604 and 1612. During the 18th century, the Sacro Monte gradually fell into a state of abandonment and, between 1796 and 1801, the incursions of the French revolutionary troops contributed to the ruin of many structures, statues and frescoes. For several decades, the Sacro Monte was abandoned and only in 1820 a community of Franciscan friars, who had become responsible for the Sanctuary, began to restore some buildings. In 1885, a systematic restoration campaign began, supported by the bishop of Milan Nazari di Calabiana and destined to last until the 1920s. During this phase, in which some buildings were built from scratch, the famous symbolist sculptor Leonardo Bistolfi intervened in chapel 16, modeling the statues of the Ascent to Calvary. (c) https://www.sacrimonti.org/it/sacro-monte-di-crea
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the church of the most holy name of Mary belonged to the complex of the Lucedio Abbey. today it is abandoned and it is not possible to enter. on the side there is a window from which I took some photos of the interior. Be very careful in summer because I noticed that on the side of the church there is a large nest of wasps or hornets, I can't tell because it is really very high up. the photos you see were taken at the end of February.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Cerrina Monferrato?
The region is rich in history. You can visit the Grazzano Badoglio Historic Center, which has Roman origins and developed around the Benedictine Abbey of San Salvatore. Other notable historical sites include the ancient Camino Castle with its crenellated walls and towers, and the impressive Cereseto Castle, known for its well-preserved exterior.
Are there any significant religious buildings to visit in the area?
Yes, a prominent religious site is the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Crea, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 23 chapels and 5 hermitages. You can also find the Parish Church of Saints Nazario and Celso, which houses 17th-century artworks, and the rebuilt 16th-century Church of San Sebastiano in Cerrina Monferrato itself. The deconsecrated Church of the Most Holy Name of Mary (Our Lady of the Vines) offers a fascinating, albeit abandoned, historical glimpse.
What outdoor activities can I do near Cerrina Monferrato's attractions?
The Monferrato landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is perfect for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Chiesa di Ponzano Monferrato loop' or 'View of Monferrato and Trino – Gabiano Castle loop'. For runners, there are trails such as the 'Running loop from Gabiano' or 'Bric Ambria loop'. Find more details on specific routes in our guides for Cycling around Cerrina Monferrato, Running Trails around Cerrina Monferrato, and Road Cycling Routes around Cerrina Monferrato.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Cerrina Monferrato?
Many attractions in the area are suitable for families. The Grazzano Badoglio Historic Center and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Crea are both listed as family-friendly. The Sacro Monte di Crea also offers pleasant walks in a protected nature reserve, which can be enjoyable for all ages. Exploring the exterior of castles like Cereseto Castle can also be a fun activity for children.
What natural features or viewpoints should I look for?
The entire Monferrato landscape is a natural highlight, characterized by rolling hills, vineyards, and forests. The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Crea, situated atop a hill, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Alpine chain and surrounding hills. You can also find natural reserves like the Special Natural Reserve of Lanca di San Michele, and larger lakes such as Lago di Candia and Lago di Viverone, which are ideal for nature excursions.
What cultural experiences does Cerrina Monferrato offer?
Cerrina Monferrato hosts various cultural events, including annual contemporary art exhibitions at the Parco dell'Arte. The Gothic Fortified House in Cerrina, with its distinctive exposed brickwork, now serves as the municipal library. Additionally, the annual 'Mangià an Munfrà' walk on Easter Monday combines nature, culture, and gastronomy, often with folk music, providing a unique local experience.
Can I visit any castles in the area?
Yes, the region is known for its castles. You can admire the spectacular Camino Castle, which dominates its ancient village. The Cereseto Castle, resembling a fairy tale structure, is also impressive from the outside, though its interior is not currently open to visitors. The ancient Castello di Montalero also offers a panoramic view, though it is privately owned.
What is the best time to visit Cerrina Monferrato for outdoor activities?
The Monferrato region is beautiful throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and exploring the vineyards, with vibrant colors during these seasons. Easter Monday is particularly special for the 'Mangià an Munfrà' walk. Summer can be warm, but still suitable for early morning or late afternoon activities.
Are there any unique local traditions or culinary experiences?
The Monferrato region is renowned for its culinary traditions, including dishes like fritto misto and agnolotti, perfectly paired with local wines such such as Barbera and Grignolino. You might also encounter 'infernot,' unique underground cellars dug into the rock, traditionally used for storing wine and food, which are a distinctive feature of the area.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Cerrina Monferrato?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Crea is often highlighted for its enchanting atmosphere, walking paths within the protected nature reserve, and breathtaking panoramic views. The historical depth of places like the Grazzano Badoglio Historic Center and the impressive architecture of castles like Camino Castle also receive high praise.
Is public transport available to reach attractions in Cerrina Monferrato?
While specific public transport routes to every individual attraction might be limited, Cerrina Monferrato itself is accessible. For detailed information on reaching specific sites, it's advisable to check local transport schedules or consider driving, as many of the region's attractions are best explored by car or as part of a cycling/hiking tour.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots worth visiting?
Beyond the main highlights, the deconsecrated Church of the Most Holy Name of Mary (Our Lady of the Vines) is considered a fascinating and mysterious place, especially for those interested in abandoned historical buildings and local legends. Exploring the charming villages nestled within the Monferrato hills can also reveal unexpected delights and local character.
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