Masio: Tower, Tanaro and regional cuisine

Masio offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: a medieval tower, churches and a noble residence, the Tanaro River’s Nature Trail 870, and cuisine shaped by Monferrato traditions. If you are looking for a hotel in Masio, you might first consider whether architectural and religious history, the landscape, or regional food culture will shape your visit.

Tower and Museum

Masio’s medieval tower dates from the 13th century and has been declared a national monument. The Museo La Torre e il Fiume uses seven floors to present both the history of Masio’s tower and, more broadly, the history of the area’s historic towers. The tour leads to the top of the tower, where you can look out over the river, the plain and the hills of Monferrato. The museum thus brings together the story of a single building and a broader perspective on the area’s historic towers.

Churches and Architectural History

The Parrocchiale dei SS Maria e Dalmazzo was built between the 13th and 14th centuries in the Romanesque-Gothic style; its interior is well preserved. A church in Masio dedicated to Saint Dalmazzo houses a relic described as the saint’s finger. The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena was recently restored and preserves an important polychrome plaster altar by Solari. Palazzo Baiveri adds a different type of building: the Baiveri family built this noble residence in the 18th century. Together, these buildings offer different perspectives on Masio’s architecture and religious traditions.

Nature Trail 870 along the Tanaro

Nature Trail 870 follows the banks of the Tanaro, crosses vineyards and passes through lowland woods with cherry trees, field maples, pedunculate oaks, Turkey oaks, black locusts and downy oaks. Herons and kingfishers can also be spotted along the Tanaro. If you would like to focus your visit more on the landscape and wildlife watching, the trail offers a different emphasis from Masio’s buildings.

Monferrato Cuisine and Local Products

Masio’s cuisine is typical of Monferrato and includes dishes associated with folk traditions. Typical De.Co. products include subrich, traditional asparagus and honey. Barbera DOC is one of Masio’s best-known products. Both traditional dishes and specific local products are therefore highlights for anyone interested in regional food culture.

Getting There and Choosing a Focus for Your Stay

Masio can be reached from Felizzano and Oviglio via the SP 245, and from Quattordio via the SP 247. When planning your journey, you can check your starting point against these routes. When choosing a focus for your stay, you can consider the historic buildings and the nature trail as different areas of interest; Monferrato cuisine adds a culinary perspective.

Discover more destinations: Ricaldone, Spineto Scrivia, Serralunga Di Crea, Palazzina, Fubine, Pontestura, Bandita, Monticelli.

View the main travel guide: Alessandria.