The village of Melazzo, likely already existing in Roman times, is located in the Erro Valley near the confluence with the Bormida River.
The Erro stream and its valley form an unspoiled natural environment, with crystal-clear waters flowing over smooth, colorful stones, and banks lined with tall, ancient trees. It is an ideal summer spot for swimming.
The village is divided into two main clusters: one around the castle, perched on a rocky outcrop, and the other directly opposite the fortress, separated only by the road.
The Castle of Melazzo, known as Castello Gandolfi, is one of the most beautiful in the area. The fortified complex covers 7,000 square meters, with 6,100 square meters occupied by a spectacular elevated garden featuring ancient trees that rise above the walls, framing the parade grounds and courtyards.
The remaining 1,000 square meters house the residential part of the castle, including 35 rooms, salons, and dungeons. The castle is documented as early as the year 1000 and for centuries played a key strategic role, particularly for the road connecting the territory to Savona.
Throughout its long history, the castle has been at the center of numerous historical events. Notably, in 1004, Count Guido was born here; he became Bishop of Acqui in 1034 and, after his death in 1070, was proclaimed a saint and protector of the city. From 1330 to 1333, King Edward II of England stayed at the castle after escaping an assassination attempt by his wife, Isabella of France, before being deposed by his son.
Despite several 18th-century renovations affecting the interior halls, the castle retains its impressive medieval fortress charm and is currently a private residence.
The parish church, dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, was built in 1757 with a classic brick façade.
Inside, it houses a fine organ, a painting by Moncalvo, and a series of valuable wooden furnishings and sculptures. Adjacent is the Oratory of Saint Peter Martyr, dating to the mid-1500s, while other religious buildings are scattered nearby.
Less than two kilometers from the village, in the Quartino area, stands the impressive Villa Scati.
Construction began in the late 1600s, and two centuries later, under Count Vittorio Emanuele Scati, architect Giovanni Certi—famous for the Bollente in Acqui Terme and the Grand Hotel “Nuove Terme”—oversaw expansion works.
By the early 20th century, the villa had taken its current form, hosting notable guests such as Silvio Pellico, Guglielmo Marconi, and members of the Royal House of Savoy, as the Countess Scati was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Maria Adelaide. Today, following extensive restoration, Villa Scati is a prestigious venue for events and ceremonies.
A few kilometers from Melazzo, in the hamlet of Arzello, are the ruins of an ancient octagonal castle with four towers, nicknamed the “Tinazza” due to its resemblance to a wine vat.
Built in the 1400s atop Montecrescente hill, the castle is now abandoned but accessible with some care. The site is fascinating and has historically hosted gatherings of esoteric enthusiasts.
Finally, for those interested in recent history, Melazzo was the site of a notable shootout between the newly formed Red Brigades and the Carabinieri during the rescue of Vittorio Vallarino Gancia, kidnapped by the terrorists.
This event remains a vivid chapter in Italy’s “Years of Lead” of 1975, a period whose full story is still not entirely known.
