Sanico: Church, Routes and Roses

Sanico brings together the history of the parish church of S. Antonio, nearby routes, and individual cultural and production sites. When looking for a hotel, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay—such as local history, a named stage, or a specific museum visit.

Church history in several stages

The parish of S. Antonio in Sanico was separated from the parish of Alfiano in 1619 by Bishop Scipione Pascali. The Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate was elevated to parish church in Sanico in the 17th century. Another chronological sequence concerns the dedication: in 1577, the parish church was initially dedicated to San Grato; from 1620, it was dedicated to the SS. Grato e Antonio; and later, exclusively to S. Antonio. This means the separation of the parish in 1619 and the dual dedication from 1620 can be understood as two distinct stages in the church's history.

The Confraternity of S. Michele is also part of the church's history: in 1733, a separate gallery was built for it in the church of S. Antonio with the bishop's approval.

Routes and cultural sites

Near Sanico, the route runs for about three kilometres through the woods of the Ex Cave di Cardona Nature Park. This approximate distance refers to the woodland section and gives route planners a specific stretch to consider.

Stage 7 of the Cammini Monferrato Don Bosco trail runs from the Santuario di Crea to Calliano M. via Sanico. The two route details serve different purposes: the approximate distance describes a woodland section, while the stage reference places Sanico between two named endpoints.

Castello di Razzano, whose origins date back to a medieval fortress belonging to the Natta family, is connected to the route. The Museo ArteVino Razzano is located in the courtyard of Castello di Razzano. It opened in October 2009 and is open to visitors. Since local visiting arrangements may change, check them before your visit.

The Strada dei Colli Petrosi is a point of interest because of its ancient gypsum and Cantone stone quarries.

Roses and a shared baking tradition

Cascina Vicentini cultivates more than 60 rare old rose varieties in Sanico and sells them at its adjoining nursery. If you are planning a visit to see the roses, check seasonal availability beforehand.

One of Alfiano Natta's three communal ovens was located in the hamlet of Sanico. Users of a communal oven in Sanico paid two one-pound loaves of bread and one focaccia for each baking session. This payment illustrates the historical practice by specifying both the quantity and the type of contribution.

Getting there by bus

The Alfiano Natta stop on GTT bus route 3023 is listed as a public transport access point for Sanico. Check the route timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Sala Monferrato, Serralunga Di Crea, Bosco Marengo, Poggio Maggiore, Bosio, Pozzolo Formigaro, Paderna, Solonghello

For the main travel overview: Alessandria.