Castello di Tagliolo Monferrato

Nestled in the Alto Monferrato region, the Castello di Tagliolo Monferrato stands as a testament to centuries of history and tradition. The castle, along with its surrounding medieval village, dominates the landscape and offers visitors a unique glimpse into Italy's past. The castle's history dates back to the end of the first millennium, with the first known records appearing in March 976 when Emperor Otto I granted Monferrato to Marquis Aleramo I. Over the centuries, Tagliolo was ruled by several feudal lords, including the Spinola and Doria families, and was under the control of the Republic of Genoa, the Duchy of Milan, the Empire, and Spain. In 1498, the Gentile family acquired Tagliolo and were granted the title of Counts of Tagliolo. In 1750, the fief passed to the Pinelli Gentile family, who still own the castle today. The castle's architecture reflects its long history, with the oldest part, the central tower, dating back to the mid-13th century. The castle complex includes towers, interconnected buildings, old houses, a church, and the Bigattiera, once used for silkworm breeding. Today, the Bigattiera hosts weddings, business lunches, and cultural events. The castle also has decorated rooms, fine furniture, a library, a rich archive, a collection of weapons, and wine cellars. The cultivation of vines and wine production in the castle's cellar dates back to ancient family tradition. The wines of Castello di Tagliolo received gold medals at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900 and 1937.