Despite careful toponymic studies, the origin of the name is still unclear. What is certain, however, is that Mombello has very ancient origins, with Paleolithic settlements dating back 90,000 years. It has witnessed history, participating in all the most important events and sharing them with the municipalities of the entire Monferrato area and part of Liguria. Its territory was successively ruled by the Ligurians, Romans, Lombards, Franks, then by the Aleramici and finally the Savoia State.
Mombello is situated on a hill, among oak and chestnut woods, crossed by dozens of trails often equipped for trekking on foot or by mountain bike. Its territory is also rich in underground water sources.
A festival dedicated to the chestnut takes place towards the end of October, during which porcini mushrooms, abundant in the local woods, are also offered. Additionally, there is the “Wild Boar Festival”, usually held in August.
At the top of a steep hill, carved by three streams, are the ruins of Mombello Castle, a location particularly protected by the natural morphology. The exact date of its first construction is uncertain, but it was in the possession of the Aleramici in the 12th century and changed hands several times until its partial destruction between the 1300s and 1400s. From the late 1500s, it came under Bartolomeo Malaspina, who restored it, expanded it, and enriched it with beautiful architectural features. Another partial destruction occurred in the mid-1600s at the hands of the Spanish.
Today, the fortress has been secured by the municipality and is open to visitors. The local association Limes Vitae, in collaboration with the Province of Alessandria and the Associazione Castelli Aperti, organizes historical reenactments and guided tours of great interest.
Other remains of medieval fortifications include the Torre del Ciglione and the Torre del Marocco. Among the religious buildings, the Parish Church of San Sisto, probably built in 759, has yielded many archaeological finds, and beneath it were discovered the remains of priests who served there. The church, in Romanesque style, has three naves supported by six large stone columns. Of particular note are the choir and the sacristy furnishings, carved from solid walnut wood.
In the Costa hamlet, there is the Church of San Rocco, likely built before the year 1000 and modified several times until 1840, when it was expanded and remodeled in Baroque style.
Along a dirt path leading to Monte Laione, one encounters a large oak tree, designated as a national monument.
