Located just over six kilometers from Casale, the village of Coniolo rises on a hill 250 meters above sea level, not far from the Po River, in a privileged position with sweeping views of the Alps.

Coniolo tells a unique story that began around 1860, when layers of a particularly fine rock called marl were discovered beneath the village. Highly sought after by the emerging cement industry, this material quickly began to replace stone and brick in construction.

Mining operations soon followed, requiring extra manpower and leading to a sharp increase in population. However, exploitation of the deposit soon spiraled out of control as numerous entrepreneurs rushed to profit from it. Working conditions were harsh, and boys under the age of twelve were even employed in the tunnels. Despite the establishment of a no-mining zone intended to safeguard the village, drilling intensified until the first cracks and collapses began to damage houses, including the parish church. By 1922 the situation had become untenable, and all 84 houses of Coniolo had to be abandoned. A careful effort was then made to salvage everything that could be reused to rebuild the new village higher up on the hill, where it stands today.

Excavations continued until the 1960s, when mining activity finally ceased. To preserve the memory of nearly a century of events—including the abandonment of the original settlement—the Ethnographic Mining Museum was created. Rich in artifacts, reconstructions, and multimedia displays, it vividly tells the story of the miners and the dramatic fate of the village.

Nothing remains of the old Coniolo, but the rebuilt town now offers visitors one of the most beautiful panoramic terraces in all of Monferrato. Some years ago, the mayor installed a glass case here containing three fresh roses, freely available to anyone wishing to declare their love. The case bears the inscription: “Open only in case of true love.”

In just a few years, the municipality has offered nearly a thousand roses, proof of the initiative’s success.

Among the local events worth noting is Coniolo Fiori, held every May, a floral and horticultural fair that draws large crowds of visitors.