It is the only castle in the region built directly along a riverbank—specifically, on the right bank of the Bormida stream—strategically placed on a rise overlooking a ford, a key crossing point toward Cassine. Protected on one side by the river and on the other by a moat, the castle, with its towers, fortified walls, and even its original drawbridge, has remarkably withstood the passing of time.
The village’s history is too rich in events, dates, and notable figures to be condensed into just a few lines; enthusiasts will find a detailed account on the official municipal website. Still, it is worth recalling the great battle of 1704, when Austro-Piedmontese and French troops clashed here in a violent confrontation that claimed many lives but, according to historians, ended without clear victors.
The “river castle” naturally draws most of the attention. Built in brick, its original core dates back to the year 1000, though it underwent continual alterations, additions, and reinforcements designed to strengthen its defensive role. Only in the 18th and 19th centuries did this military function give way to a more stately, residential use, lasting until the mid-20th century. Within the original walls stood the Church of the Holy Rosary, whose doorway bears the date 1584. Originally Romanesque in style, it was enlarged in 1738, when a second side entrance was also added.
Another religious building is the votive chapel of San Rocco, erected after the devastating plague of 1631. The parish church, dedicated to the village’s patron saints Quirico and Giulitta, was begun in 1232 but underwent significant expansion and renovation from 1726 onwards.
Upon entering the village, visitors cannot fail to notice the long rows of poplars, cultivated here almost as crops. In recognition of this centuries-old tradition of poplar farming, a museum dedicated entirely to the tree and its cultivation was inaugurated in 2015. Almost unique in the world, the only other museum of its kind is found in China.

It is the only castle in the region built directly along a riverbank—specifically, on the right bank of the Bormida stream—strategically placed on a rise overlooking a ford, a key crossing point toward Cassine.

Protected on one side by the river and on the other by a moat, the castle, with its towers, fortified walls, and even its original drawbridge, has remarkably withstood the passing of time.

The village’s history is too rich in events, dates, and notable figures to be condensed into just a few lines; enthusiasts will find a detailed account on the official municipal website.

Still, it is worth recalling the great battle of 1704, when Austro-Piedmontese and French troops clashed here in a violent confrontation that claimed many lives but, according to historians, ended without clear victors.

The “river castle” naturally draws most of the attention. Built in brick, its original core dates back to the year 1000, though it underwent continual alterations, additions, and reinforcements designed to strengthen its defensive role. Only in the 18th and 19th centuries did this military function give way to a more stately, residential use, lasting until the mid-20th century. Within the original walls stood the Church of the Holy Rosary, whose doorway bears the date 1584. Originally Romanesque in style, it was enlarged in 1738, when a second side entrance was also added.

Another religious building is the votive chapel of San Rocco, erected after the devastating plague of 1631.

The parish church, dedicated to the village’s patron saints Quirico and Giulitta, was begun in 1232 but underwent significant expansion and renovation from 1726 onwards.

Upon entering the village, visitors cannot fail to notice the long rows of poplars, cultivated here almost as crops. In recognition of this centuries-old tradition of poplar farming, a museum dedicated entirely to the tree and its cultivation was inaugurated in 2015. Almost unique in the world, the only other museum of its kind is found in China.