Overlooking the Bormida Valley, the small village of Denice lies in the heart of Upper Monferrato, in a particularly beautiful and diverse natural area. The village, with a clear medieval origin, is home to around 200 residents and develops entirely around the ancient watchtower, which rises 29 meters and is crowned with a triple series of decorative arches.

The 12th-century tower, built by the Marquises of Carretto, is open to visitors. A climb of 100 steps leads to the top, offering a panoramic view of the perfectly preserved, circular village below.

Many of the old houses still house sculptural fragments embedded in their walls, including reliefs from various historical periods, among them a Roman-era plaque.

Among the religious buildings, the most remarkable is the 16th-century Church of San Lorenzo. Originally the castle’s private chapel, it was modified to accommodate a larger congregation. Inside, two altars—one in marble and a more recent one adorned with polychrome stuccoes—stand alongside a choir. However, it is the frescoes, recently uncovered, that give the church its true significance. Completely covered by layers of plaster for centuries, the 15th- and 16th-century frescoes were revealed during structural consolidation work and brought back to light through a careful and delicate restoration. Also noteworthy is the Oratory of San Sebastiano, dating back to 1513, with its distinctive vertically elongated façade.

The village also hosts the Open-Air Museum of Contemporary Ceramics. Currently, 63 ceramic artworks by Italian and international contemporary artists are permanently displayed on the facades of various houses. Each piece features a digital label with a QR code explaining its characteristics and the techniques used to create it.

The full route through the village is just over 500 meters long, and the visit typically takes around 30 minutes.