Monale, a dip in history between castles and archaeological finds.
Landscape.
Monale is a village of the Low Monferrato.
It is spread over an area of about 9 km² and has about 1000 inhabitants.
It is about 15 km from Asti, the provincial capital.
History.
The origins of Monale, from the Latin Mons Natalis (Christmas Mountain), are uncertain.
The fiefdom was one of the most important in the Asti area in the 12th century.
The territory was at the center of bloody battles between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines.
The name of Monale is linked to that of the Scarampi family, who gave the name to the castle that still exists today and is used as a charming residence.
Administration.
Food and wine and typical products.
Piedmontese cuisine is the protagonist in Monale with the Bagna Cauda; among the desserts, the tirà and the bunet.
In the glasses, you can not miss the typical wines of the area, Freisa, and Barbera.
To be seen.
The Monale postcard is represented by the imposing Scarampi Castle.
On the territory of Monale, there is also another castle, La Bastita, dating back to the fourteenth century.
The parish church dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the patron saint of Monale, is also splendid.
Also, worth a visit is the Church of Saint Maria del Fonte, the Puppet Museum, and the PANCAmpia, a giant bench made with craftsmanship.
It should be noted, in via XX Settembre, the presence of an example of a Fiat G.91T fighter bomber-scout.
Curiosity.
The figure of Saint Catherine of Alexandria was deepened in a curious “impossible interview” carried out by the pupils of the primary school of Monale to Emperor Massenzio.
Information synthesis and/or re-elaboration was taken from the website of the Municipality of Monale
Cover image source: Provincia di Asti