Spigno is the southernmost commune in the province of Alessandria, stretching right up to the borders of Liguria, and occupies an elevated position overlooking the Bormida Valley, enjoying its scenic landscapes.
Historical records for Spigno are quite extensive, though no single comprehensive account yet covers its history from Roman times to the Savoy period. The village’s past is nonetheless evident in its palaces, churches, castle, and other architecture, which bear witness to hundreds of complex, often violent historical events. These events unfolded from the 13th century through at least 1724, when Emperor Charles VI of Habsburg ceded the Marquisate of Spigno to King Victor Amadeus II of Savoy for 350,000 florins. The marquisate later fell under French control from 1789 to 1814, eventually returning to Italian rule in modern times.
The historic center reflects the prestige of the many noble families who once resided here. Wandering its streets with an eye for detail, visitors can discover remarkable architectural features and hidden treasures.
Only a few remnants remain of the castle, destroyed by the Spanish in the 17th century, and what little survives is visible mainly from the village cemetery. On the site of the original cemetery stands the parish church of Sant’Ambrogio, enclosed by a stone wall with a gate topped by a 16th-century arch. A statue at the entrance bears the date 1592. The church has three naves, with stone columns, a baptismal font, and painted panels from the late 16th century, while the wooden furnishings and stucco decorations date to the latter half of the 18th century.
Also dating from the late 1500s is the well-preserved Oratory of the Annunziata, which houses paintings and altarpieces transferred from rural churches and convents across the area.
Although today it is a private residence and not open to the public, the Abbey of San Quintino is worth seeing from the outside. Founded in 991 by Anselmo, son of Marquis Aleramo, following Saracen invasions, it is best reached via a pleasant walk outside the village. The abbey flourished for centuries, maintaining some autonomy until 1796, when it was nearly destroyed during the Napoleonic wars. It suffered further decline over time and was eventually sold to private owners.
Access to the abbey involves crossing a beautiful medieval bridge over the Bormida River: the Ponte di San Rocco. Exceptionally well-preserved, the bridge has the characteristic humpback shape and was built in the 13th century to connect the abbey to the Via Emilia. Made of sandstone, it still features two guardhouses that once housed toll collectors.
Over the centuries, Spigno passed through many hands, from the Paleologi to the Marquises of Monferrato, then to the Della Rocchetta, the Valperga, and finally the Savoy.
