Map
Unesco World Heritage Sites in the Monferrato area
Two Unesco World Heritage Sites are present in the Monferrato area, not far from Turin, Milan and Genoa (about one hour by car). It is an unexpected destination that will fascinate you.
The Unesco Sites are:
- Monferrato of the Infernot, listed in 2014, is one of the six areas in The Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato;
- the Sacred Mount of Crea, listed in 2003, is part of the Sacred Mounts of Piedmont and Lombardy.
MONFERRATO OF THE INFERNOT
The area is characterized by a singular type of architectural construction: the infernot. These underground rooms were dug into a particular geological formation called Cantoni Stone (sandstone). This is the origin of these cellar extensions, dug and sculpted under the old houses. The extraordinary characteristic is that these cellars were built in order to preserve wine bottles in an environment without natural light and air circulation. The infernot are used for the domestic storage of bottles and represent veritable works of art created with great skill by local people.
The selected area comprises the main quarries where the stone, which also characterises the prestigious architecture of the hill villages, was quarried. There is a very close connection with the vineyards, historically linked to the cultivation of the Barbera grape-variety – vinified here mainly as Barbera del Monferrato DOCG – and of other minor grape-varieties that characterise Piedmont’s varietal heritage.
A limited number of Infernotis opened to the public during weekdays and weekends; for more information please contact the Tourist Information Office.
Most of the internot are actually in private houses and it is possible to visit them only on special occasions. The next special openings will be on 18th September, 16th October and 20th November. Stay tuned!
THE SACRED MOUNT OF CREA
The Sacred Mount of Crea consists of the Sanctuary, 23 chapels - not to be missed “La salita al Calvario” and “L’incoronazionedellaVergine”, the so called “Paradise” - and five hermitages. The complex was built between 1589 and 1612, with a second building phase in the early XIX century.
The Sanctuary keeps paintings and frescos of artists of great relevance: above all, Martino d’Alba’s autographic painting dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and Christ Child and the Saints (dated 1503), the series of frescos portraying St. Margherita d’Antiochia’s Stories (XV century) and the wooden statue portraying the Blessed Virgin (XIV century).
Groups of statues made in stained terracotta - most of which were made by the Flemish sculptors Giovanni and Nicola De Wespin, known as Tabacchetti - are displayed in the 23 chapels, together with frescos by Giorgio Alberini and paintings by Brilla, Maggi, Latini, Capra and Morgari.
The Regional Natural Park is a particularly fascinating example of the relationship between nature, religion and art: the fascination of the uncontaminated woodland countryside which offers glimpses of breathtaking scenery can be enjoyed together with the architectonic dimensions of the Sanctuary.
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Visit 8 museums in Casale and the Monferrato area with one admission card. For more info please ask about the MOMU (Monferrato Museums) Card
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Do not hesitate to contact us for more information about Casale and the Monferrato area:
- telephone number: +39 0142 444.330 (from Tuesday to Sunday);
- e-mail addresses: chiosco@comune.casale-monferrato.al.it ; mondo@monferrato.org
In the photo: The Sanctuary of The Sacred Mount of Crea (on the left, ph. G. Pasino) and an Infernot in the village of Cella Monte (on the right, ph. Ecomuseo della Pietra da Cantoni)