Situated in the Piedmont region of Northwest Italy, Casale Monferrato is a historic town. Adjacent to the Monferrato Hills, known for their rice production and sprawling vineyards, the city of Casale Monferrato is revered for its vast history, Baroque architecture, and cultural elements. Relatively undiscovered and often overshadowed by the other popular destinations throughout Piedmont, Casale Monferrato is a charming destination with many unique things to see and do.

Old Town Casale Monferrato is a love letter to the city’s history. Palazzi, churches, buildings, and monuments all stand as a testament to the glory days of the town. Visitors can walk the city streets, admiring the architectural details, and immersing in the feel of fifteenth to eighteenth century Italy.

Whether spending a busy day bouncing between sightseeing locales or relaxing at local cafés enjoying the regional cuisine, any day in Casale Monferrato is a day well-spent.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Throughout the year, Casale Monferrato holds a variety of local events and festivals that showcase the city’s food, wine, culture, and history.

In September, the Monferrato Wine Festival is held. This event is a celebration of local wines, food, and the harvest season.

During Christmastime, the town holds seasonal events to celebrate the festive time of year. From concerts in the city’s important churches to seasonal decor to exhibitions of nativity scenes, the end of year marks an exciting and important time in Casale Monferrato.

During March, the town welcomes many visitors for the 11-day festival, Festa di San Giuseppe. A celebration of Saint Joseph, this fair features music, artisanal products, and culinary tastings. The event has been held annually since 1946 and celebrates local industry, handicrafts, commerce, and agriculture.

For fans of music, the annual Folkermesse Festival is a fun event. Held in the summer, this festival is a celebration of folk music and dancing. Another event that includes musical performances is the annual Riso & Rose (Rice & Roses) festival. This festival, which occurs in May, features musical concerts, markets showcasing local artisans, and other fun events.

If hoping to do some sightseeing, an event called Casale open city occurs on the second Sunday of the month. On this weekend, many of Casale Monferrato’s monuments are open and free and guided tours are offered.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

A wonderful place in Casale Monferrato to enjoy the outdoors is Eternot Park, a vast seven-acre garden and public park. The park was built on the site of the former Eternit Asbestos Factory and is dedicated to the victims of asbestos exposure in the Casale Monferrato area. There are also several other parks and gardens with a remarkable variety of species of trees and plants found throughout Casale Monferrato.

In addition, nearby wineries are great for tasting local wines and enjoying the landscape of Piedmont.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

A must-see location in Casale Monferrato is the city’s cathedral, the Cathedral of Sant’Evasio. A deeply significant religious structure, it features unique Roman-Gothic architecture and a variety of artwork throughout the interior, including stunning eighteenth century sculptures by Giovanni Battista Bernero.

For fans of theater and music, visit the Teatro Municipale, or Municipal Theater. Built in 1791, this theater is similar in appearance to Parma’s Verdi Theater and showcases local productions of drama, dance, and opera.

For fans of art, visit the Museo Civico, Civic Museum, which is located in the Monastery of Santa Croce. The museum features an expansive art collection, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and works by the famous twentieth century sculptor Leonardo Bistolfi. Other artists featured in the museum are Renaissance painter Giovanni Martino Spanzotti, local painter Niccoló Musso, Baroque painter Pietro Francesco Guala, realist painter Angelo Morbelli, and many more. There is also an archeological section featuring artifacts from the Bronze Age.

SHOPPING

In addition to the many shops which are concentrated in the center of town, travelers can enjoy a variety of local markets in Casale Monferrato. There are market days held on Tuesday and Friday in Piazza Castello, monthly antique markets, and a monthly craft and produce market.

FAMILY & KIDS

While exploring Casale Monferrato’s historic city center, young travelers may enjoy a stop at one of the most delicious shops in the city. The Krumiri Rossi Bakery is the home of krumiri, unique cookies that are synonymous with Casale Monferrato. These curved-shaped biscuits are simply made and wonderfully delicious. Take a break from historic sightseeing to taste this true staple of the city.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

The Synagogue of Casale Monferrato is a 400-year-old Synagogue that honors the importance of the town’s Jewish community. One of Europe’s most well-preserved Synagogues, this Baroque structure features stunning architectural details, an opulent interior, and a museum that showcases historic Torahs.

The Monferrato Hills are known for their amazing wineries, so a visit to Casale Monferrato means a wide variety of top-of-the-line wine varietals to enjoy alongside Piedmont’s traditional, rich, and flavorful cuisine. Spend a day or two exploring the countryside and visiting the area’s historic wineries where you can learn more about this fascinating local tradition.

In September, a unique experience is the annual Magiche Figure, an exhibition of puppet theater from all across Italy and the world.

Casale Monferrato has a rich history rooted in the Middle Ages. There is no better way to experience it than at the Paleologi Fortress. Built around the year 1000, this fortress features a quadrilateral plan, towers, and a characteristic moat. A wonderful example of fifteenth century design, it contains traditional castle details such as dungeons and bretèche, small balconies with openings through which defenders of the castle could spot oncoming attackers and throw objects to defend the castle.