© 2009 LaToCa

The history of Monferrato was not always a prosperous one. In the years between 1950 and 1970 it became an economically depressed area, with its population moving from the villages to the cities (Milano, Torino , Genova) in order to work in factories.

From the middle of the 1980's however, the situation reversed, some people had amassed a small fortune during their years in the cities and returned to their roots. They invested their newfound wealth in the growing Tourism and Winemaking Industries.

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The best way to get a flavour of Monferrato is to drive as the roads take you through the hills; we have chosen a few villages which have particularly magnificent panoramic view points and interesting architecture.

The suggested route traced on the map starts in Casale which, with its 37.000 habitants, is the capital of Monferrato, a city rich in history, culture and tradition as demonstrated by the palazzi built in the 18 th century that have been visited by the rich and famous, people like Saint Luigi Gonzaga,

Saint Luigi Gonzaga, Napoleon and Cesare Pavese (one of Piemonte's most famous writers). The historical center is the best witness of the important history if the town, with the Castle of the Paleologi family, the civic tower built in 11 th century, the cathedral, one of the most beautiful example of late gothic architecture in Piemonte, the Palazzo of via Mameli, with the elegant example of baroque casalese of palazzo treville, the Synagogue in the Jewish ghetto.

“Monferrato is a land which captivates inhabitants and visitors alike and with a beautiful change of seasons, many, who come to visit, end up remaining forever.”