The village lies near the Bormida River, where clear archaeological findings attest to an urban settlement dating back to Roman times—though it was certainly inhabited even earlier by the Ligurians.
Its foundation is believed to coincide with the same period as the nearby city of Acqui Terme.
The name Pontum most likely refers to a bridge built by the Romans across the river during the construction of the Via Emilia Scauri.
Evidence of this important road was found here in the form of a milestone—the “Antonine Column” from the 2nd century AD—which is now preserved outside the town hall.
After the Roman period, documentation on Ponti becomes sparse. What remains are scattered references to the town’s name and events. What is certain is that the Del Carretto family, direct descendants of the Aleramici, ruled the fief for centuries. Architecturally, the only trace of their presence is the ruin of their castle, probably built before 1200 on the remains of a Roman fortified outpost.
The castle, perched atop the hill and now wrapped in vegetation, still preserves remnants of its walls, a tower, and part of the residential quarters. Today, consolidation work is underway to allow visitors to approach it safely, admire it up close, and imagine the events it once witnessed.
The village itself is remarkably well preserved and dominated by the Church of the Assunta Alta, or “Old Church,” whose long history is worth exploring.
The site chosen for its construction may once have hosted a temple dedicated to Diana, with the Virgin’s cult either replacing or coexisting with that of the goddess as early as the 4th century.
Likely built as the castle’s church, it dates back to the year 1000. Its tall bell tower was constructed as a fortified lookout and surely served that purpose. The church is said to have been able to hold a thousand people, making it a significant religious center that became involved in struggles against paganism, Arianism, and later Muslim incursions. On the main entrance architrave, a Latin inscription still reads: “The church thrives under persecution.”
Along the valley road stands the new parish church, also dedicated to the Assumption, built in 1895 to replace the older one. Monumental in scale and Renaissance in style, it remains a striking landmark.
The surrounding countryside is dotted with other historic religious buildings, easily encountered on hikes or excursions starting from the village.
Finally, Ponti is home to one of the oldest festivals in Monferrato—if not the very oldest—the Sagra del Polentone. Held since 1571, usually on the penultimate Sunday before Lent, the festival celebrates polenta served by the local polentari, members of the nationwide guild of Mastri Polentari d’Italia, along with traditional egg frittatas. The origins of this centuries-old tradition are linked once again to the Del Carretto family and their spirit of generosity and hospitality.
