Casasco: Observatory, Valleys and Historic Churches

Landscape between two valleys

As a travel destination, Casasco brings together landscapes, stargazing and historic buildings. The village lies at a scenic elevation on a watershed between the Curone and Grue valleys, with views over both. A watershed marks the boundary between drainage basins, placing Casasco topographically between the two valleys. The Big Bench stands on the summit of Monte Taboro, a specifically named high point in the landscape.

Astronomy: courses, observations and talks

The Osservatorio Astronomico Naturalistico di Casasco holds annual astronomy courses for beginners and learners with some prior knowledge. It also organizes guided observations of the sky with the naked eye and telescopes, as well as regular public talks on specific topics. Each format has a different focus: in a course, you can explore astronomy at your own level; guided observations focus on the eye and telescope; and a public talk explores a particular topic. When planning, consider whether you would prefer to learn, observe or attend a talk. If a particular course or date is essential to your trip, check the latest event schedule in advance.

Churches and architectural history

The Chiesa del Capoluogo includes the lower-lying section of the old church, completed in 1928. A Romanesque-style cross is still set into the old church’s wall; the church complex also includes a bell tower dating from 1920. The dates refer to different parts: one marks the completion of the old church, the other the bell tower. Together with the Romanesque cross, they offer different clues to the building’s history.

The church of Santa Maria del Rosario in Magrassi has a different architectural history. It was remodeled and restored several times from the 16th century onward; the most recent alterations and extensions took place between 1918 and 1930. While the Chiesa del Capoluogo brings individual features and their dates into focus, here the story is one of repeated changes over a long period. The time periods can be compared: the most recent works in Magrassi, from 1918 to 1930, span both the year of the bell tower and the year the old church was completed.

The trail near Magrassi

The Sentiero Laudato si’ was created on the hill of Magrassi as a 1.5 km trail, with an approximate duration of 40 minutes. A description published in October 2023 notes paved and unpaved sections and no steep climbs. The estimated duration helps you plan your time, while the changing surface describes the character of the route. Check current access conditions before your visit.

Visiting the winery

Anyone wishing to visit the Mandirola Vini winery should get in touch using the contact details provided.

Discover more destinations: Mongiardino Ligure, Mirabello Monferrato, Bosco Marengo, Fubine, Quattordio, Rocchetta Ligure, Solonghello, Olivola.

For the broader travel overview: Alessandria.