San Salvatore Monferrato

History, art and traditions

Of Roman origins, known as "Villa ad vites" and as from 1048 Castrum Sancti Salvatoris, Guglielmo of Monferrato obtained it from Barbarossa in 1164. From the XIV century until 1708 (when it passed to the Savoys), it was alternatively part of Alessandria, which belonged to the Duchy of Milan, or the marquisate of Monferrato that belonged to the Paleologo and Gonzaga dynasties. During the first war of independence it was the site of the general headquarters of Vittorio Emanuele II. In 1894, King Umberto I gave it the title of city. Symbol of the city is the historical, 24-metre high tower that dominates the extensive hilly panorama of the Monferrato area and the Po plains, and its construction, commissioned by Teodoro Paleologo, dates back to 1410. The other symbolic tower, the bell tower is situated on the opposite hill and was rebuilt in 1931 with the baroque rococo style church of the Assunta alongside. The Parish church of San Martino dating back to the XV century and the Church of San Siro built in 1560, with the regular Lateran canonicals of Sant'Andrea, house valuable works by the painter Guglielmo Caccia, known as Il Moncalvo and by other painters of his school. Place of worship, destination of pilgrimages and agreeable walks, is the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Pozzo, erected in 1732,
where tradition has it that the miracle of the apparition of the Virgin occurred, saving a Spanish soldier who had fallen into a well. San Salvatore Monferrato is the birthplace of Igino Ugo Tarchetti famous exponent of "scapigliatura" (bohemianism) a 19th century Milan-based literary movement. A conference to commemorate the famous citizen led to a biennial of international literature that attracts scholars from all over the world.

Tourism on-the-go

San Salvatore known as the "gateway to the Monferrato" because of its position on the first hills of Basso Monferrato, is mainly a summer tourist destination. The territory has lots to offer in terms of pleasant walks along tracks carefully laid out by the local section of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI). From the hill of the historic Tower you can easily see the mountain chain of the Ligurian Apennines and the Piedmont Alps; a "gnomon" situated at the base of the Tower indicates the position of the main peaks around. The gardens of Villa Genova (open in May and September) extend for 10,000 sq metres around rhododendrons and azaleas, ferns, roses and large trees (centuries - old plane trees, a Japanese pagoda, etc…).
rhododendrons and azaleas, ferns, roses and large trees (centuries - old plane trees, a Japanese pagoda, etc…). To point out are the following places of natural outstanding beauty: -Parco Torre: from the hills (257 metres high) where the historic Tower lies, it's possible to admire the breath-taking mountains of the Ligurian Apennines and Piemontesi Alps. A gnomon located at the bottom of the Tower indicates the position of the surrounding highest peaks. The park has picnic benches and a games area for children. In June the "Rock Park Tour" takes place, with cultural evenings during "September Sansalvatorese" and the climb in the rocky gym - arranged by the CAI Association in occasion of the Chestnut feast; -Parco della Pineta: a Park of the Solar Colony. During June and July, pupils from the elementary and secondary schools are guests here. In September the gastronomic event "Regionando" takes place (a regional cuisine feast organized during a weekend in September) along with the French fries feast - (in September); -Giardini di Villa Genova (Fosseto Locality, n. 14): During the event "Rice & Roses" in May, these private gardens open up to the public, and again in September and October. They extend for around 10000 sq m. bounded off by a wonderful rare hawthorn hedge. Inside, footpaths and trails branch off to then meet again; the paths wind among shrubs of rhododendron and azalea alternated by ferns, new and old roses, little shrubs and big trees (secular platans a sophora japonica,.). In the middle of the park you may admire the secular charm of an enormous oak tree. (For information please call 0131.233503); -Santuario della Madonna del Pozzo: on the hills east of the Sanctuary a spacious park extends in which 15 stations of the Cross have been placed. There's also a games area for children. -Percorso "Alessandro Davite" known as "of the Sanctuaries": joins the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Pozzo with the one in Crea. Accomplished by the Sansalvatorese section of the CAI Association, way-marked by red and white signs. At Fosseto there's an equipped campervan area, not guarded - in the Piazzale next to the Church of Sant'Anna.

What to see

Historical tower of the Paleologo family (1410-1413) and scenic park; Bell tower; church of the Beata Vergine Assunta (Baroque-Rococo period); parish church of S. Martino (XV century containing the "Beata Vergine del Rosario" by Moncalvo); church of San Siro (1560, "Nativity" by Moncalvo); Santuario Madonna del Pozzo (1732); church of the Santissima Trinità (XIV century); pinewood park; gardens of Villa Genova; historical palazzos: Carmagnola (XV century); Barco Veglio di Castelletto (site of the Civic Library, tourist office) Ollearo; Lingua Gazzoli (former Franciscan convent).

What to taste

Typical Monferrato cuisine. Local wines. The famous amaretti biscuits and lady's kisses from San Salvatore are renowned.