Castles around Volpeglino offer a glimpse into the rich history of the Piedmont region. Volpeglino, located in the province of Alessandria, is part of an area known for its numerous historical fortifications. While Volpeglino's own ancient castle remnants are largely private, the surrounding area provides access to well-preserved medieval structures. These sites often sit in strategic locations, providing historical context and scenic views.
Last updated: June 30, 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 Volpeglino's own historical remnants, the broader Piedmont region offers a rich selection. You can explore the well-preserved medieval architecture of Fortress of Montalfeo, a medieval-style castle perched on a hill. Another significant site is the Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia, a 14th-century fortress known for its well-preserved multi-storey defensive structure, which is rare in Piedmont. For a blend of history and scenic views, consider Gomo Village and Castelletto, offering a 360° panorama over the surrounding hills.
Yes, the Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia is noted as family-friendly, offering an interesting historical structure for all ages to explore. While not all castles are open to the public regularly, many offer engaging historical insights.
The castles in the Volpeglino area, and Piedmont generally, are deeply rooted in history, often serving as strategic defensive points or noble residences. Volpeglino itself has an 'Ancient castle' that resisted a siege in 1408, though its remnants are largely private. Castles like the Tower of the Castle of Tortona are symbols of ancient fortresses that witnessed significant historical events, such as the siege by Frederick Barbarossa, before being destroyed by Napoleon.
Yes, the region around Volpeglino is excellent for hiking. While not directly adjacent to every castle, many are situated in areas with access to trails. For example, Gomo Village and Castelletto is a crossroads of paths, allowing you to reach other places on foot. You can find various hiking routes, including the Monte Roscella Trail or the Monte Brienzone Loop, by exploring the Hiking around Volpeglino guide.
Absolutely. The area around Volpeglino offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous mountain biking trails, such as the Monte Zerbet Enduro Trails, or explore road cycling routes like the one passing by the Fortress of Montalfeo. For more details, check the MTB Trails around Volpeglino and Road Cycling Routes around Volpeglino guides.
Many castles in the region are strategically located on hills, offering impressive vistas. The Gomo Village and Castelletto, for instance, provides a 360° panorama over the surrounding hills and valleys. Similarly, the Fortress of Montalfeo is perched atop a hill, likely offering scenic views, though it's primarily open for events.
The Piedmont region, where Volpeglino is located, is beautiful throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring and hiking, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer can be warm but is ideal for longer days of exploration. Winter visits can be charming, though some sites might have reduced hours or be less accessible depending on weather conditions.
While popular sites can attract visitors, many of Piedmont's 526 castles are not major tourist attractions, offering a more tranquil experience. Exploring smaller, less-known sites like the MONTEGIOCO PALACE or the remnants of Volpeglino's own ancient castle can provide a quieter glimpse into local history. The Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia, while historically significant, might also offer a less crowded experience compared to more famous regional castles.
Visitors appreciate the rich historical context and the well-preserved architectural integrity of structures like the Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia. The scenic locations, such as the 360° panorama from Gomo Village and Castelletto, are also highly valued. The blend of history with opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling adds to the overall appeal.
Volpeglino has historical roots as a fortified settlement, with an 'Ancient castle' that famously resisted a siege in 1408. The original castle was located in the highest part of the town, but its remnants have largely been converted into private residences. Only its central sections remain, making it more of a local historical landmark than a major tourist attraction.
Yes, in the broader Piedmont region, Rivoli Castle, for example, has medieval origins but now houses the Rivoli Museum of Contemporary Art. This unique blend of ancient architecture with modern art creates a distinct cultural destination, offering a different kind of castle experience.
While Volpeglino itself is a smaller comune, nearby towns and villages will offer accommodation and dining options. For instance, Gomo Village and Castelletto is near Salice Terme, a renowned tourist center, which would have various amenities. It's advisable to check local listings for specific cafes, restaurants, and hotels in the vicinity of the castles you plan to visit.
The Piedmont region is home to castles with diverse architectural styles. The Dongione of Carbonara Scrivia is a unique example of a well-preserved multi-storey defensive structure, rare in Piedmont. Further afield, Fénis Castle is renowned for its imposing pentagonal structure with corner towers and elegant interior frescoes, while the Castle of Serralunga d'Alba is a distinctive example of a French Donjon in Italy.


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