Monesiglio

Built on the hills that once separated Bormida valley from Uzzone valley, Monesiglio is dominated by the imposing castle; on the artistic side, we mention the parish church of Sant’Andrea.

In the hamlet of San Biagio you can find the sanctuary of Santa Maria di Acqua Dolce, dated back to 13th century, which presents a Romanic structure, with a nave and two aisles.

To Madonna di Acqua Dolce they dedicate the patronal fair, which takes place the first Sunday of September.

History

It’s probably been founded by the Liguri tribe.

The origins of its name are quite mysterious, some say that it comes from the hospitality offered to a group of monks, exiled from France.

Monesiglio and its medieval frescos

On your way back towards Bossolasco to the North, you find Monesiglio dominated by its castle.

Origins and traditions

Monesiglio dates back to before Christ, with its first inhabitants - the Liguri Stazielli – that were tenaciously opposed to the invading Romans.

They had to submit to them around 172 BC, and from thereon decided to co-exist and cherish the advantages such as better roads and communication routes; the Roman presence is still visible in archaeological finds, such as the tombstones preserved in the premises of the Castle.

On the last Saturday in June, Monesiglio celebrates its yearly village festivals, with food and wine, and local delicacies such as ravioli al plin, grilled meat, sandwiches, cheeses, pancakes etcetera.

The whole village becomes alive and the streets are filled with stands, street artists and live music.

The Castle

The Castle of Caldera family was built in the middle ages and extended in the 17th century.

It is a majestic complex, well preserved, and later enlarged, becoming the residential home of the Lords of Monesiglio, Caldera counts and the Marquises of Saluzzo.

It can be visited during the annual ‘Castelli Aperti’ (open castles) day; visitors can see the original kitchen, pantries and prisons in the basement, and the armoury and room for celebration on the first ‘noble’ floor.

On the second noble floor, you can visit the ‘red room’, countess’ bedroom and the room in which the coats of arms are kept.

In the castle you can also find the ancient private chapel of the Marquises Saluzzo, the Cappella Marchionale, with beautiful frescoes, signed by Antonino Occello da Ceva in 1532.

They depict four EvangelistsMatthew, Marc, Luke and John -, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Saint Sebastian and Saint Christopher, next to King David and St.

Apollonia.

Religious art

Inside you can find the oldest fresco of the area.

The parish church Sant'Andrea, built in the late Baroque style, was commissioned by the Countess Olimpia Caldera; works began around 1720 and its construction was completed by the Saluzzo Marquises in 1826.

It consists of a single nave, onto which six side chapels open; a large icon behind the main altar, represents the martyrdom of Saint Andrew.

For those who enjoy frescos, the Santa Maria dell’ Aqua Dolce is another ‘must see’.

It is built in Roman style and its main axis has a series of frescos that are from the middle-ages and closely resemble works of Byzantine art.

The Sanctuary is situated on the left bank of the Bormida river and dates back to the 12th century.

It is locally known by the name Madonna di San Biagio; it is a very ancient place of worship, already referred to as ‘plebs Monatcile’ in Ottonian texts from the 5th and 6th century.

The church has been beautifully restored, and combined with the undoubted historical, architectural and artistic values, make the church of Monesiglio one of the most beautiful and significant buildings of the entire valley.

The name Santa Maria d'Acqua Dolce was given because it is a centre of secular devotion to the Virgin Mary.

 

Food & Drinks

Ristorante Il Cucat offers great food in a very nicely styled and friendly looking restaurant.

The dishes are beautifully presented, the staff friendly, and the wines good; all in all, it makes for an unforgettable experience.

Ristorante Pizzeria Drago 2 serves good pizzas and a choice of seafood.

Similar in style is the family-run Pizzeria Europa.