On the other hand, according to a Celtic interpretation, the name would mean “small pheasant.” For the villagers, however, this is of little concern.
The village was founded in 1253 as a fortified outpost along an important route connecting Liguria to the interior. Its layout forms a perfect triangle, with one side overlooking the river, offering natural protection. Here, the ancient wash houses carved into the stone can still be seen. At one corner of the triangle once stood the castle, of which only a square tower remains today.
Along the main street, where six parallel streets converge, several historic buildings are remarkably well preserved, including the Church of San Giovanni Battista. Built in 1259 and rebuilt during the 17th century, the church features an interior of particular elegance.
Other religious sites include the 18th-century Oratory of the Holy Trinity, the Chapel of San Rocco, and, further from the center towards the cemetery, the village’s former parish church: the 18th-century Church of Santa Maria Assunta, where traces of the original Romanesque structure are still visible.
Bistagno is also home to one of the five plaster-cast galleries in Piedmont that have been converted into museums. Housed in an elegant building, the gallery is dedicated to the works of Giulio Monteverde, born here in 1837 and celebrated across the 19th century for his sculptures.

The village was founded in 1253 as a fortified outpost along an important route connecting Liguria to the interior. Its layout forms a perfect triangle, with one side overlooking the river, offering natural protection. Here, the ancient wash houses carved into the stone can still be seen. At one corner of the triangle once stood the castle, of which only a square tower remains today.

Along the main street, where six parallel streets converge, several historic buildings are remarkably well preserved, including the Church of San Giovanni Battista. Built in 1259 and rebuilt during the 17th century, the church features an interior of particular elegance.

Other religious sites include the 18th-century Oratory of the Holy Trinity, the Chapel of San Rocco, and, further from the center towards the cemetery, the village’s former parish church: the 18th-century Church of Santa Maria Assunta, where traces of the original Romanesque structure are still visible.

Bistagno is also home to one of the five plaster-cast galleries in Piedmont that have been converted into museums. Housed in an elegant building, the gallery is dedicated to the works of Giulio Monteverde, born here in 1837 and celebrated across the 19th century for his sculptures.