Morano Sul Po – Churches, Industrial History and Grangia di Pobietto

Morano Sul Po can be explored through buildings from several periods and the history of its cement industry. If you are considering Morano Sul Po as a destination for a hotel stay, its churches, industrial heritage and the Grangia di Pobietto offer a tangible impression of the town’s cultural highlights.

Churches, Architectural History and Art

The Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Giovanni Battista was rebuilt on the remains of a small chapel. The chapel and the town’s castle had been destroyed during the conflicts between the Marquises of Monferrato and the people of Vercelli. The church houses two valuable Baroque wooden confessionals from the Santuario di Crea. The site thus brings together a history of reconstruction and furnishings with their own story of origin.

At the Chiesa di San Pietro Martire, the building’s history and its art can be clearly distinguished chronologically: Dominican friars built the church before 1400; it was formerly attached to a monastery. The right aisle contains a triptych dated 1478. This date refers to the artwork, not to the time when the church was built. The Chiesa della Santa Trinità dates from before 1608. A confraternity was based there and formerly provided accommodation for pilgrims and people recovering from illness.

The Arch and Industrial History

The Arco di Morano sul Po is a parabolic arch structure commissioned by Unione Cementi Marchino/Unicem di Casale Monferrato in 1951 and built to a design by engineer Guido Sarti. The arch allowed a cableway transporting cement marl from the Palazzina Borino di Coniolo mine to the cement factory in Morano to cross the state road safely. The arch structure was therefore not the cableway itself, but enabled it to cross the road safely. The arch remained in operation until around 1958. It offers a way to trace the connection between the mine, the transport route and the cement factory.

A centre dedicated to interpreting industrial heritage has been established near the arch. It includes a container called “Heritage in a box” and an interactive web app. The availability of digital interpretation resources may change. The arch is directly visible from the SP31Bis provincial road in Morano sul Po. Alternatively, you can park in the nearby car park by the “100% moto” shop and view it on foot. As parking regulations may change, check them before setting out.

Another reminder of the history of work is located in the hamlet of Due Sture: an old distillery was converted into the Monumento al Lavoro “La Vecchia Fornace.” The monument is only visible from the outside. If you plan to visit, check the current access arrangements in advance.

Grangia di Pobietto and the VEN.TO Cycling Route

The Grangia di Pobietto stands on elevated ground in the centre of an extensive rice-growing area. This ground is safer than the surrounding areas, which are more prone to flooding. The Grangia includes a medieval gate tower and part of a wall with a pointed-arch frame. Its historic architectural features and its setting in a rice-growing area offer two distinct perspectives on the site.

The Grangia also lies along the VEN.TO cycling route between Venice and Turin. This makes it possible to consider the complex in the context of this longer cycling route as well. There is a picnic area within the Grangia di Pobietto in Morano sul Po. If you plan to use it, check its current availability before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Malvicino, Ponzano Monferrato, Ciglione, Montemarzino, Sanico, Bandita, Girasole, San Salvatore Monferrato.

For the broader travel overview: Alessandria.