Castelnuovo Bormida: Riverside Setting, Church Art and July Traditions

Castelnuovo Bormida lies on the right bank of the Bormida, on the border between Monferrato and the Alessandria–Tortona Plain. Alongside this geographical setting, several churches with distinct architectural and artistic histories, a rural votive chapel on a named path, and recurring July traditions shape the themes of a visit. Depending on whether you are interested in architecture, local history or an event date, you can focus on different aspects.

Church Architecture and Art History

The Chiesa Parrocchiale dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta was expanded between the late 17th century and the first half of the 18th century, starting from a Romanesque core. It houses a 17th-century painting from the Lombard school depicting Saint Pius V and the miracle of the crucifix. The Chapel of San Feliciano in the same church is adorned with precious 17th-century marble inlays. This church therefore brings together a Romanesque core, a later extension and works of art from the 17th century.

The Chiesa di San Rocco was built in 1631 by the local community as a votive church following a plague epidemic. The Ex Chiesa del SS. Rosario was built in the 16th century as a chapel within the castle walls; its original entrance door bears the date 1584. The Romanesque building is located at the entrance to the town from the direction of Cassine. While the reason for San Rocco’s construction as a votive church is part of local history, the Rosario’s former role as a chapel, its dated door and its Romanesque style are key historical points of reference.

July Traditions and Dates

The Partita scacchi viventi is a traditional performance featuring living figures in medieval costumes, held every year on the third Saturday in July in Castelnuovo Bormida. The Festa patronale di San Quirico e Santa Giulitta, in honour of the town’s patron saints, takes place on the third Sunday in July. The two traditions fall on different days of the week: the chess performance is scheduled for Saturday, and the patronal festival for Sunday. If you are planning your trip around one of these events, check the date in advance.

Routes and Historical Connections

The Sentiero degli amorosi sensi leads to La Madonnina, a rural votive chapel dedicated to Mary. Here, the connection between a named path and its destination takes centre stage: the chapel is a different point of reference from the churches’ architectural and decorative history. A route description for the Torino-Genova crossing also leads to Castelnuovo Bormida after a river crossing: the town is the destination of the second stage, after the Bormida has been crossed. If you are planning a hike, it is advisable to check the route conditions, as they may change.

The Battle of Castelnuovo Bormida was fought near the town centre and a temporary bridge over the Bormida. The bridge had been built under the protection of the castle’s fortifications. The river crossing, town centre and castle fortifications thus all form part of the battle’s historical setting.

Discover more destinations: Carrosio, Ombra, Arquata Scrivia, Giarole, Cavatore, Alice Bel Colle, Sanico, Predosa

For the broader travel overview: Alessandria.