The region of Piedmont is rich in cultural wonder. Some towns, like Casale Monferrato, can go relatively undiscovered by many travelers, and that is a shame since the city is so rich with art, architecture, and centuries of history.

Throughout the city’s history, Casale Monferrato was frequently taken over and destroyed, as its location adjacent to hills and the Po River made it strategic for various militaries. However, it was always rebuilt, taking bits and pieces of the culture of those who occupied the area.

Once known as Vardacate to the Romans, Casale Monferrato’s glory days were during the Middle Ages and Renaissance – the time in which the town was the Monferrato area’s capital. As a result, the bulk of cultural art and architecture throughout the area is Baroque, with shades of Renaissance influence.

Casale Monferrato’s location is in the Monferrato Hills, an area that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding landscape and rich history in winemaking and vineyard development. Being in Piedmont, one of Italy’s top food and wine regions, Casale Monferrato offers travelers a variety of cultural enrichment through its cuisine and top-rated wines.

ART

To experience art in Casale Monferrato, travelers can visit the city’s Civic Museum. Located in the Santa Croce convent, the museum features frescoes by Guglielmo Caccia, a collection of valuable paintings, and an array of ceramic and wooden art sculptures.

The museum features various sections, including a plaster cast museum, art gallery, and an archaeological portion that contains artifacts from the Bronze Age. Some of the artists whose works can be viewed at the Civic Museum include Leonardo Bistolfi, Moncalvo, Carlo Musso, Pietro Francesco Guala, and Angelo Morbelli. Much of the works featured in the gallery date from the fifteenth to the twentieth century.

In addition to the Civic Museum, travelers can see art in many of the city’s churches and historic buildings. From frescoes on the walls to collections of historic art pieces, there is a wide variety of art to experience in Casale Monferrato.

The Church of Santo Stefano is home to fifteen roundels that depict saints as well as altar paintings by Guglielmo Caccia and Francesco Caroto. The Church of San Domenico displays works by Pietro Francesco Guala, while the Church of San Filippo Neri is home to paintings by Sebastiano Guala. In the Church of San Michele, travelers can admire paintings by Guglielmo Caccia. Finally, the Baroque Church of Santa Caterina is renowned for its eighteenth-century frescoes.

ARCHITECTURE

The Old Town in Casale Monferrato is the perfect place to stroll and admire the Baroque architecture that makes the city so unique.

One of the most distinct aspects of Casale Monferrato’s architecture are the many palazzi that were built in the eighteenth century and have since been restored, rebuilt, or repurposed. In addition, there are many amazing structures, churches, and monuments throughout the city that can be enjoyed by travelers.

The city is home to the massive Paleologos Fortress that dates back to 1000. It features a quadrilateral layout, towers, and at one time, a moat – it is truly an amazing example of fifteenth century architecture.

Another must-see is the Cathedral of Sant’Evasio. Arguably the most important building in the city, the cathedral is Romanesque-Gothic in style and features two bell towers, a stone façade, mosaics throughout the interior, and a collection of beautiful works of art including a group of statues by Giovanni Battista Bernero.

The Jewish Synagogue, another extremely important locale in Casale Monferrato, features a beautiful Baroque interior that is reflective of the Synagogue’s significance to the town. It was built in 1595 and is one of Europe’s most well-preserved Synagogues of the time.

Other Baroque sites to see include the Town Hall, various palaces, such as Palazzo San Giorgio and Palazzo Gozzani di Treville, the eighteenth-century Teatro Municipale, and many churches throughout the city.

On the second week of the month, an event called Casale Open City occurs, during which free guided tours of some of the town’s monuments are offered.

LITERATURE

Casale Monferrato would appear as the location in many novels by author and philosopher Umberto Eco. The writer was born not far from the city and included it in his novels, such as The Name of the Rose.

The city also features a Civic Library, which is home to a reading room that even non-residents can visit to enjoy books and magazines.

CINEMA

Thanks to its picturesque scenery, several Italian movies have been filmed in the Monferrato area, including Zoè (2008), Un posto sicuro (2015), In un posto bellissimo (2015), Qui non si muore (2019), Dolcissime (2019), and L’Originale (2019).

MUSIC

The passion for music in Casale Monferrato can be experienced in the city’s churches, the theater, and at local festivals.

Held in the summer is the Folkermesse Festival, a world folk music and dance festival that originated in Casale Monferrato. In May, there is also the Rice and Roses, or Riso & Rose, event. This festival of concerts, markets, and more has been held annually since 2001.

To see some of the most important dramatic productions and plays, visit the Teatro Municipale, or the Municipal Theater. It was built in 1791 and showcases a variety of performances. It is an important cultural center for the city.

SCIENCE