Cassano Spinola: History, Views and River Trails

Cassano Spinola brings together Roman traces and early church and architectural history with trails through cultivated land and riverside landscapes. There is also a viewpoint with far-reaching views and local sweets. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Cassano Spinola, these themes can help you weigh your interests in history, landscape and regional sweets.

Roman Bridge Remains and Early Local History

The remains of the Roman bridge are in the hamlet of S. Bartolomeo. They were part of the Via Postumia, built in 148 BC by Spurio Postumo Albino. The surviving sections on the Torrente Scrivia show how the bridge was constructed: two piers stand in the riverbed and are made of regularly hewn stone blocks. On the upstream side is a triangular icebreaker, and downstream, a three-sided spur. These bridge remains can thus be linked both to a historic transport route and to their specific construction.

Church, Castle and Palaces

Castello di Cassano Spinola dates from the 10th century and originally belonged to the De Cassano family. The origins of Parrocchiale di San Pietro date to between the 5th and 7th centuries; at the time, it served as a pieve, or rural parish church. The church houses the painting “Jesus Giving the Keys to St Peter,” attributed to Rosa Bacigalupo. The buildings and art here can be explored through their different periods and themes.

Palazzo Millelire also offers a glimpse into different phases of construction. When it was first mentioned in 1608, it was described as a house with a colonnade belonging to Lazzaro Spinola. In 1624, the palazzo was extensively remodeled and acquired forms and architectural features typical of 17th-century Genoese palaces. Museo Casa di Don Carlo Sterpi is located in the birthplace of Don Carlo Sterpi and preserves evidence of his presence.

Trails, Views and River Landscapes

On clear days, the view from Belvedere San Martino stretches across the plain of Alessandria to the Alpine arc. A circular trail follows the Merlaro Valley through cultivated land and lavender fields before returning to the village. The path to Colle dello “zucchero” leads to a clearing at the edge of a small oak wood. A rest area is provided there, and the spot also offers views of the landscape and the Scrivia Valley.

The riverside environment is another focus. The section of the cycling and walking path between Villalvernia and Cassano Spinola allows visitors to observe all the habitats of the river environment. One route reaches the Cassano Spinola aqueduct. There, reed beds and dense vegetation offer opportunities to observe waterbirds. Views, cultivated land and river habitats thus offer different perspectives on the landscape around Cassano Spinola.

Musical Activities and Sweets

Gavazzana Blues promotes musical activities in collaboration with the municipality of Cassano Spinola. The association uses Museo Casa di Don Carlo Sterpi, the stage in Piazzetta del Collegio and the stage at Belvedere San Martino. Venues and programs may change over time, so if you are planning to attend specific musical events, check the relevant announcements.

Local sweets include Casau casau, described as a sweet from Cassano Spinola. The dessert “Dolce di Cassano” is available at Le Antiche Tradizioni, Via Arzani 5, 15063 Cassano Spinola. These specific examples add a culinary connection to the town to its historical and landscape themes.

Discover more destinations: Conzano, Giarole, Villanova Monferrato, Borgo Adorno, Valmacca, Gavi, Solonghello, Bosco Marengo

For the wider travel guide: Alessandria.