Best castles around Monleale offer a journey through history in the Piedmont region of Italy. This area, close to towns like Godiasco and Tortona, features a diverse landscape with hills and valleys. Visitors can explore various historical sites, including ancient fortresses and medieval structures. The region's strategic past is evident in its preserved castles, providing insights into its cultural heritage.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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Montegioco is a small municipality in Piedmont, in the province of Alessandria, in the Val Grue. The hamlet of Palazzo is the municipal seat and is located in the valley floor, in a flatter area compared to the historic village of Montegioco.
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it deserves a stop perhaps to refresh yourself; The castle is certainly interesting but also the parish church with the naïve images of saints in the lunettes of the three portals; in the center the Baptism of Christ
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The castle of Carbonara Scrivia dates back to the 14th century or early 15th century, according to some documents found. The typical construction called "dongione" was built by Pierino Cameri on a previous property owned by the Curolo family, lords of Carbonara, who declined starting from 1246.
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The castle of Tortona was a castle that stood on the Savo hill, the most important of the seven on which, according to tradition, the city of Tortona was founded. The name refers to various defensive constructions that arose on the same site over the course of two millennia. Between the 8th and 5th centuries BC. archaeological investigations in fact place the foundation of a hillfort by the Ligurians.
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The Castle park is a large green area located in the hilly area of Tortona close to the historic centre. It is a place of memory of the city, having been the scene of historical events such as the siege of Frederick Barbarossa. At the top of the park is the Tower, the city's symbol, which together with a few ruins is evidence of the ancient fortress that overlooked the town until its destruction by Napoleon in 1801.
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The 14th century fortress of Carbonara Scrivia boasts the so-called "Dongione", built by Pierino Cameri. In addition to the dungeon, the defensive system of Carbonara Scrivia consisted of a fortified enclosure or castle, a moat and two access gates.
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The term dungeon, from the French donjon, in turn derived from the Gallic Latin dominium (to be pronounced in the French dominiòm), home of the dominus, designates a multi-storey structure with a strong vertical development similar in function and appearance to the so-called keep. There are few in Piedmont and, among these, the case of Carbonara Scrivia undoubtedly stands out for its state of conservation and architectural integrity. https://www.alexala.it/web/index.php?lang_iso=it&view=risorsa&id_categoria=011144617cd1213242343dc8760b2e84&id_risorsa=93ae8649e487683480695604b748cd9c&id_area=bade033bcb9429 2d545e220e8e7831de
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The Rocca di Montalfeo is a castle, the building is located 350 m above sea level.
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Beyond the castles, the region offers a rich history. You can visit the Tower of the Castle of Tortona, a symbol of the city located in a large green area, which stands as evidence of an ancient fortress destroyed by Napoleon. Another significant site is the Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia, a remarkably well-preserved 14th-century fortress featuring a unique keep.
While Monleale is in the Piedmont region, the nearby Monferrato area, a UNESCO heritage site, is known for its medieval castles. For instance, the village of Monale is home to two notable castles: the Scari Castle, with its U-shaped brick structure and 17th-century garden, and The Bastita, a former fortified structure crucial during medieval conflicts. These offer insights into the region's complex history.
Many castles in the area are strategically perched on hills, offering panoramic views. For example, Gomo Village and Castelletto, located at about 500 meters above sea level, provides a 360° panorama over the surrounding hills and valleys. Similarly, the Fortress of Montalfeo also sits atop a hill, offering scenic vistas.
The Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia is categorized as family-friendly, offering an engaging historical experience. While specific family activities at each castle may vary, exploring these ancient structures can be an educational and exciting outing for all ages. The large green area surrounding the Tower of the Castle of Tortona also provides space for families to enjoy.
The area around Monleale is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, running, and mountain biking. For cycling, explore options like the 'Castello di Montalfeo – View of the Vineyards loop' mentioned in the Cycling around Monleale guide. Runners might enjoy the 'Monleale Giant Bench loop' from the Running Trails around Monleale guide, and mountain bikers have challenging trails like the 'Monte Zerbet Enduro Trails' in the MTB Trails around Monleale guide.
Yes, some castles in the region are available for special occasions. The Fortress of Montalfeo, for instance, is a medieval-style castle open specifically for special occasions, events, or weddings. Similarly, the Gomo Village and Castelletto is often used for celebrations like weddings, baptisms, and private parties.
The Piedmont region, including Monleale, generally offers pleasant weather for exploring castles and outdoor activities from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild, making it ideal for walking around historical sites and enjoying the scenic views. Some castles, like the Fortress of Montalfeo, are open only for special occasions, so it's advisable to check their specific event schedules.
The Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia stands out for its exceptional state of conservation and architectural integrity, being one of the few well-preserved keeps in Piedmont. Its 14th-century defensive system, including a moat and gates, offers a clear glimpse into medieval military architecture.
This ancient structure, renovated in medieval style, is located on a hill about 500 meters above sea level, offering a 360° panorama. It creates a suggestive atmosphere and is a crossroads for paths, making it easy to reach other nearby places on foot or by mountain bike. It's also a popular venue for private events and celebrations.
The Tower is a symbol of Tortona and represents the ruins of an ancient fortress that once overlooked the town. It was destroyed by Napoleon in 1801. The site, located in a large green park close to the historic center, has been a scene of significant historical events, including the siege by Frederick Barbarossa, and archaeological investigations suggest a hillfort foundation by the Ligurians between the 8th and 5th centuries BC.
Yes, the MONTEGIOCO PALACE is notable not only for its castle but also for its parish church. The church features naive images of saints in the lunettes of its three portals, with the Baptism of Christ in the center, making it an interesting stop for those interested in both historical architecture and religious art.


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