Monastero Bormida

Monastero is fascinating because of its big square, with the only arc in Piedmont that links the bell tower to the building of the castle, because of its stone bridge, which has been proof against floods for eight centuries.

Also because of its alleys, which are now almost uninhabitated, but used to be the centre of the commercial life in the village, which still now is the most important weekly market of the Langa Astigiana.

What makes the inhabitants united is that they feel to belong to that huge castle, restored and embellished a lot of times, sometimes spoiled, but always saved from the worst damages; it now still is the pulsating centre of public life.

History

Monastero – as shown by its name – has been founded by a group of Benedictine monks, brought here in 1050 by Aleramo, marquis of Monferrato, to farm the land destroyed by the Saracins.

Today’s castle has been built where the former monastery stood.

In 1393 the Benedictines left the town, that became a property of the Del Carretto family; it later was owned by the Della Rovere and finally by the Savoia.