The Monferrato of the Infernot

Arrival in Casale Monferrato in the late morning and a day dedicated visiting the city, starting from Piazza Castello and the imposing Paleologi Castle, home of the Gonzaga family until the second half of the sixteenth century, which later became a fortress. Casale is one of the gateways to Monferrato, between the Po Valley and the hills of the area which is now a UNESCO heritage site. The Gonzaga family made it one of the most prestigious centers in Europe and this can be seen during a visit to the centre, full of architectural treasures, civil and religious buildings. Leaving Piazza Castello, we continue towards Via Saffi, full of shops and stores and dominated by the 11th century civic tower, one of the city symbols. Lunch not included with the possibility of purchasing the typical krumiri biscuits (have you ever tried them with hot zabaglione?). The visit continues with the Church of San Domenico and the Cathedral of Sant’Evasio and, absolutely not to be missed, the Synagogue, built in 1595, an extraordinary example of late Baroque architecture, with stucco, gold and precious wooden furnishings. Another important stop is the Civic Museum and Bistolfi Plaster Cast Gallery, now home to important art collections, from Guglielmo Caccia to Angelo Morbelli, as well as works by the Casalese sculptor Leonardo Bistolfi. Inside the Museum there is the permanent exhibition dedicated to the explorer Carlo Vidua, with a collection of artefacts from his travels around the World. Before leaving the city, visit and tasting in the historic Magnoberta 1918 distillery. Transfer to Vignale Monferrato, dinner in a tavern and overnight stay in a B&B

After breakfast, arrival in Fubine. The visit begins with the Bricherasio Chapel, built by Cav. Luigi di Bricherasio in a small and suggestive clearing; preserved inside, one of the most beautiful works of the great sculptor Leonardo Bistolfi. Following, visit to Palazzo Bricherasio, the castle from which hanging garden you can admire breathtaking landscapes, and the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta. A walk along the Spalto, one of the most evocative places in the village, where the ancient walls remain as evidence of the defensive walls, and the route of the Infernot begins. These are underground chambers dug into the typical sandstone of the area, the “pietra da cantoni”, thanks to the particular geological characteristics of this land of marine origin, the Infernot maintain constant temperature and humidity and were therefore used for the preservation of food as an appendix to the cellars. They are precious legacies of the peasant tradition, small hidden treasures recognized as a world heritage site.
Followed by a tasting of typical Monferrato wines with a taste of small local specialties: you will fall in love with Barbera Grignolino and Albarossa!
In the afternoon return to Vignale and free time available for a pleasant, relaxing walk or to try the exciting experience of a ride around the hills on a quad (excursion not included in the package – suitable for all ages) Dinner not included – overnight stay

After breakfast we suggest a stop in Serralunga, at the Sacro Monte di Crea, a UNESCO heritage site, where on the highest hill in Monferrato there is the Marian Sanctuary of the same name. Along a spectacular route from a naturalistic point of view, among ash trees and oaks, to arrive to the Chapel of Paradise, with 23 votive chapels and 5 hermitages, where the Mysteries of the Rosary are contemplated.