The village of Maranzana is situated in a natural area of great significance, perched in a transitional zone that gently rises from the Po Valley towards the hills before steepening into the Apennines.
Maranzana lies on the border between the provinces of Asti and Alessandria and borders an important and ancient protected natural area called Bosco delle Sorti – La Communa.
This area, classified as a Site of Regional Importance (SIR), appears to have held significance since at least the 13th century, as numerous documents mention disputes over the use and passage of the Communa territory (today Bosco delle Sorti), which continued until 1599, when the land was divided into seven districts.
Despite centuries of disputes, the forest has preserved much of its natural heritage, with chestnuts, oaks, holm oaks, wild orchids, and a rich variety of wildlife. Within the protected area, a network of trails is open for walking or mountain biking, winding through the woods and reaching the first slopes of the Apennines, offering visitors pristine landscapes and stunning panoramic views.
Surrounding the ancient village, the landscape is also characterized by orderly rows of vineyards that cover entire hills. The origins of Maranzana are very ancient, possibly dating back to 500 BCE, when the region became part of Cisalpine Gaul.
From then on, Maranzana—bearing its current name since the 1500s after various evolutions—witnessed centuries of invasions, wars, and battles, passing through the hands of many noble families: from the Aleramici to the Gonzaga, until 1670 when the feudal title was acquired by the Alessandrian family of Francesco Ghilini, who held it until 1832.
The village subsequently experienced the Italian Risorgimento and the World Wars, following the course of a united Italy. In the last century, it suffered significant emigration; today, fewer than 300 residents live in the historic center, where the passage of time is evident, yet the 12th-century castle remains in good condition, as do its towers and fortified walls.
The castle, open to visitors year-round, is an impressive fortified structure with both round and square towers, connected to the high defensive walls that protect the side of the village overlooking the Cervino stream valley. The walls lead to the main tower, which appears to predate the castle itself but incorporates its architectural and decorative motifs.
The central part of the village, the ricetto, was once protected by a moat. In the main square stands another medieval structure dating to the 13th century: the civic tower, an excellent viewpoint over the surrounding mountains.
Near the castle is the Oratory of the Annunziata, probably built shortly before 1600. Other religious buildings include the Baroque-style Church of San Sebastiano, which has been modified over time, and the parish church, dedicated to San Giovanni Battista and Santa Emerenziana. This 17th-century church, originally with three naves, underwent major alterations in 1879.
The municipal building houses a small museum dedicated to the navigator Giacomo Bove, who undertook adventurous expeditions around the world and was part of the crew that opened the Northeast Passage. A brief but fascinating profile of Bove, who died in 1877, is available on the official Maranzana municipal website.
In recent years, the medieval village has come alive with life-sized cloth figures called Babaci, dressed in period costumes. These characters populate the streets, terraces, squares, and gardens, representing long-forgotten figures, local traditions, and scenes of daily life. This imaginative initiative, especially active from April to September, has become a popular attraction for tourists, who enjoy taking photos alongside these whimsical figures.
