Piemonte: Art, Flavors, and Craftsmanship in Lower Monferrato between the 15th and 17th Centuries

The Private Residence Unveiled

• Castello Quattro Torri
  A rare example of a Renaissance castle in Piedmont, Castello Quattro Torri was built between 1407 and 1430 by Ludovico Costa degli Albussani. Restored to its former glory through meticulous work by the Zucca family in the 1980s, its well-preserved architecture transports visitors to a distant past, evoking the era of Renaissance lords who ruled these lands. During the tour, you’ll explore rooms steeped in history and charm, immersing yourself in the castle’s timeless elegance.

Key Locations

• Arignano – Castello Quattro Torri
  Explore the splendor of this historic castle, a perfect starting point for your journey into the traditions of Lower Monferrato.
• Castelnuovo Don Bosco – Located in the province of Asti, this picturesque village is the birthplace of Saint John Bosco. Here, you’ll visit the Terre dei Santi Winery for a tasting of local delicacies and wines, including the renowned Barbera d’Asti. This unique opportunity lets you savor the authentic flavors of Monferrato, a region deeply rooted in viticulture and winemaking tradition.
• Moncucco Torinese – Famous for its gypsum quarries dating back to the 17th century, Moncucco offers the chance to visit the Gypsum Museum (Museo del Gesso). This unique venue showcases the history of this traditional Piedmontese industry, from wooden-matrix ceiling panels and ornate stucco decorations to noble home interiors. The museum also features an area dedicated to quarry and kiln technologies, including a model demonstrating the use of eco-friendly fuel derived from pruning local vineyards.

Journey Storytelling: A Dive into History and Traditions
Imagine owning Castello Quattro Torri, a place seemingly suspended in time, where every stone tells a story of nobility, passion, and historic intrigue. Strolling through its halls and courtyard, you’ll breathe in the Renaissance atmosphere of a castle that has retained its original beauty despite centuries of change. Every corner and tower speaks of the history of a region that has witnessed countless transformations.

After visiting the castle, the journey continues to Terre dei Santi Winery in Monferrato, a region steeped in the past yet alive with vibrant traditions. At Castelnuovo Don Bosco, you’ll indulge in the authentic flavors of Piedmontese cuisine with a tasting of local products and wines that embody the region’s essence in every sip. A Monferrato-style lunch at a local restaurant offers the chance to enjoy traditional dishes made with fresh, genuine ingredients.

In the afternoon, the tour takes you to Moncucco Torinese, home to a hidden gem: the Gypsum Museum. Here, you’ll uncover the secrets of an ancient craft that put Monferrato on the map. Walking among the gypsum artifacts, you’ll feel like a craftsman of the past, immersing yourself in the techniques that defined traditional Piedmontese architecture.

This journey introduces not only the architectural wonders of Piedmont but also the culture and traditions that have shaped the region over centuries. An experience that combines history, nature, art, and gastronomy in a romantic, timeless atmosphere.

The tour is part of the “Dimore Amiche del Piemonte” project, in collaboration with FIAVET Piemonte (Italian Federation of Travel and Tourism Associations).

Information and Prices

• Duration: Full-day tour, approximately 9.5 hours
• Cost per person: €95.00
• The tour is conducted in Italian. Please inquire in advance for other languages

The price includes:

• Round-trip transportation on a reserved GT coach from Turin
• Highway tolls and parking fees
• Accompaniment by a tour escort
• Admission to Castello Quattro Torri
• Admission to the Gypsum Museum (Museo del Gesso)
• Guided tours at all locations
• Tasting of local products and wines
• Lunch at a traditional Monferrato restaurant
• Unipol Sai Medical and Baggage Insurance

Info and Booking: piemonte@adsi.it (Reference #IW2402)