Located just a few minutes from Casale Monferrato, the village of Rosignano sits atop a hill, its roots anchored in layered yellow rocks, a sandstone with a distinctive hue known locally as Pietra da Cantoni.
The road leading up to the village passes remarkable outcrops of this stone, revealing its apparent fragility. Here, a geological trail has been established, complete with informative signs explaining the area’s origins, called “The Tropical Seas of Pietra Cantoni and Surroundings.”
The village originally developed around the castle, which dates back to the 12th century, though the settlement itself is certainly much older. A significant date is 1250, marking the establishment of the free commune governed by its own statutes and laws. Under the Aleramici until the 14th century, Rosignano then passed to the Paleologi until 1536 and later to the Gonzaga family.
Chosen as a strategic outpost due to its proximity to Casale, Rosignano was the site of countless battles, sieges, and raids.
Recently awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club, the village is also a major center for the underground structures known as Infernot, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014. More than seventy have been documented, most privately owned, some accessible to the public, including one of the deepest ever excavated, open only on special occasions.
The castle crowns the hill, emerging directly from the exposed rock. Built in the 14th century and now privately owned, it has undergone numerous alterations that have changed its original appearance. Beneath the fortress, a network of tunnels was carved into the soft rock, providing an escape route in case of siege.
The village spreads out below the castle, likely within the bounds of ancient walls. Notable buildings include the 15th-century Church of San Vittore Martire, characterized by its alternating red and yellow bands and beautiful stained glass, serving as the parish church. The oldest church is Sant’Antonio, dating to the 12th century. It features an ancient terracotta floor beneath which many tombs are located, and preserves frescoes from the 12th and 16th centuries.
Particularly noteworthy is the Church of Madonna delle Grazie, privately owned, which conceals a small infernot beneath it. In the lower part of the village stands the Castello di Mellana, an early 20th-century building whose architectural style harmonizes with the historic village. Today it operates as a hospitality venue, offering guests a unique and immersive atmosphere.
A short distance from Rosignano Monferrato lies the Castle of Uviglie, notable for its singular dominating tower. Documents indicate it was built in 1322 when Teodoro I, Marquis of Monferrato at the time, granted the Pocaparte family permission to construct a fortified residence.
The castle’s history is as fascinating as it is complex, with centuries of changing ownership. A detailed account, or at least a summary, is available on the castle’s website, now a winery and resort. Due to its historical and architectural significance, the castle and its extensive park are protected as cultural heritage.
The interior is well preserved, with splendid frescoed rooms and the possibility to stay in small apartments located within the park. The gardens, covering 56,000 square meters, feature centuries-old exotic plants from Asia and America, making it a rare site listed by the Piedmont region among “historic gardens of botanical interest.” The hanging garden, a meticulously maintained Italian-style garden, is also remarkable.
The spacious cellars testify to a winemaking tradition dating back to 1491 and house a valuable collection of wines.
