Castello di Monastero Bormida

About the museum

The monumental complex of Monastero Bormida arose in the 11th century as a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Santa Giulia. Traces of it survive in the outer walls, in the layout and, above all, in the Romanesque bell tower, 27 metres high, with friezes and blind arcades in brick and stone, which is linked to the castle by a stone arch.

From the late 14th century the complex became the fortified keep of the Del Carretto family. It later passed to the Della Rovere, who enlarged it and transformed its interiors into an elegant 17th- and 18th-century residence. It subsequently belonged to the Genoese Polleri family, who gave it to the Municipality in 1876; the Municipality is its present owner.

Today the castle is largely devoted to cultural and tourist activities. The main floor houses the Gipsoteca “Edoardo Rubino”, with plaster works by the 20th-century Piedmontese sculptor, linked to the plaster-cast galleries dedicated to Giulio Monteverde at Bistagno and to Claudia Formica at Nizza Monferrato. The attic floors are equipped for temporary exhibitions. In the ancient keep is the Torre dei Cavalieri (Tower of the Knights), with weapons, costumes and medieval customs, and in the cellars the tradition of ageing the wines of the Langa Astigiana is revived. The castle is visited on guided tours, often enlivened by costumed re-enactors.

Highlights

• Gipsoteca “Edoardo Rubino”, with plaster works by the sculptor
• Torre dei Cavalieri with weapons, costumes and medieval customs
• Romanesque bell tower, 27 metres high
• Costumed theatrical visits with re-enactors
• Historic cellars devoted to the wines of the Langa Astigiana
• Romanesque bridge over the Bormida at the foot of the castle

Permanent exhibitions

• Gipsoteca «Edoardo Rubino» – On the main floor, a series of plaster works by the Piedmontese sculptor Edoardo Rubino, linked with the plaster-cast galleries of Bistagno and Nizza Monferrato.
• Torre dei Cavalieri – In the ancient defensive keep, a display of weapons, costumes and customs of the medieval period.

Operated by

Comune di Monastero Bormida

Visitors per year

approx. 2,750

Admission & discounts

The classic guided tour lasts about one hour. Reduced rate for holders of the Abbonamento Musei Piemonte and for visitors with disabilities.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The castle is accessible to visitors with disabilities, with prior notice.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

The castle can be rented for private events and weddings.

Plan your visit