Although the hill on which Cereseto stands rises to no more than 280 meters, the village’s profile is instantly recognizable from afar thanks to the imposing outline of its castle, which dominates this community of about 400 inhabitants.

The origins of the village date back to around 500 AD, with countless historical events shaping the small fiefdom from the 10th century onward.

As for its name, it likely derives from the dialect word Cereset, meaning “cherry tree,” recalling the orchards that once covered these hills before vineyards and sunflower fields took over.
The true centerpiece of Cereseto is its castle. Despite its medieval appearance reminiscent of the 15th century, it was in fact built between 1909 and 1912 by Riccardo Gualino, an influential industrialist from Biella. Gualino, a man of remarkable stature and notoriety, founded several companies, including SNIA, and would deserve an entire story of his own. To give an idea of the character, at the castle’s inauguration he and his wife welcomed guests dressed in 15th-century costumes, while the guest list included illustrious names such as Agnelli, Pirelli, Borletti, Zegna, Loro Piana, and Sella.

The castle covers 6,000 square meters with 156 fully furnished rooms filled with antique furniture and works of art. Enclosed within its walls lies a vast 170,000-square-meter park, complete with gardens, artificial streams, ponds, and grottos.

Unfortunately, the castle was abandoned in 1931 and is currently closed to visitors.
Cereseto also offers something quite unique: the opportunity to visit and experience a real Buddhist monastery, the Renkoji Temple.

Finally, the village is among the very few places in Italy where the fall of a meteorite has been documented. On July 17, 1840, fragments were collected, studied, and preserved—a rare event that curiously repeated itself nearby, in Motta Visconti in 1868 and in Montemagno in 1935, as if this corner of Monferrato lay along the recurring path of meteor showers.