Discover Montecastello: Building History and Hiking Trails

Montecastello forms one of the last foothill ridges of the Basso Monferrato, opposite the confluence of the Tanaro and Bormida rivers. Two themes are especially relevant when planning a trip: the architectural history of Chiesa S.Maria and Castello di Montecastello, and the marked hiking trails. If you are looking for a hotel in Montecastello, these highlights can help you decide whether church and castle architecture or a hike with trail markers, steps and views should shape your stay.

The church and its historic building phases

The parish was transferred to Chiesa di Santa Maria di Ponzano in 1398. The present-day Chiesa S.Maria was built in the 18th century as a reinforcement of an older Gothic structure; side aisles with Baroque influences were added at that time. During the restoration of the façade in 1935, an old lunette was uncovered in the tympanum of the main portal. It contains a fresco of Christ giving a blessing. The church’s outer niches hold marble statues of Saint George, Saint Joseph and Saint Anthony of Padua.

According to the municipal website, updated on 24 June 2025, Chiesa S.Maria can be reached by car or on foot; the car park is wheelchair accessible. Check the visiting arrangements before your visit.

Castello di Montecastello

Castello di Montecastello was built in the 13th century on the remains of very old fortifications. It was completely renovated in the 18th century, when the Chapel of S. Carlo, terraces, staircases and wrought-iron features were added in 1739. The layout of the fortifications and the tall tower are still recognizable. The entire complex is protected by two bartizans, four towers and a wall with a barbican.

According to the municipal website, updated on 24 June 2025, the Castello can be reached by car or on foot; visits are possible from the outside only. Check the current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Hiking trails and navigation

The “Anello di Montecastello” circular trail is marked with the AMC trail symbols and consists of trails 607, 607A, 607B, 623 and 623B. It starts near the Tanaro River and climbs into Montecastello by way of numerous steps. Along the route, it reaches Bric Montalbano; in clear weather, the view from there extends across the Po Valley and the Alpine arc. One section is called “La salita dei Pensieri Indiani” and features signs bearing statements by Indigenous American chiefs about respect for nature.

The “Sentiero Valenza - Montecastello” hiking trail starts at the CAI section’s headquarters in Valenza and follows white-and-red trail markers numbered 601. In Montecastello, it passes near the castle and ends at the nearby Pro Loco headquarters.

The information offers different points of reference for choosing between the two types of route described: the Anello is characterized by its circular route, five trail numbers and Bric Montalbano; for the Sentiero, the information specifies marker 601, its starting point in Valenza and its endpoint at the Pro Loco headquarters.

Discover more destinations: Camagna Monferrato, Serravalle Scrivia, Carpeneto, Treville, Pecetto, Strevi, Ponzone, Poggio Maggiore.

For the broader travel overview: Alessandria.