ATS ViviMonferrato ETS
Località Piano 32/B, 15070 Lerma, AL
CF:90028290063 - RUNTS: Rep. n° 3040
cell: 351-7660812
IBAN: IT42 M035 7601 6010 1000 3949146
Castelletto d'Orba - The Pieve of St. Innocenzo
Our visit, passing through the medieval village, will reach the Romanesque church of St. Innocenzo, just outside the walls
In Upper Monferrato, close to the Apennines and at the confluence of two streams, the Albedosa and the Arbara, along one of the "salt roads" that descend from the mountains to the plain, lies Castelletto d’Orba. The name d’Orba is linked to the border that marks the western edge of its territory, the Orba river. Like the entire Upper Monferrato area, this territory, once inhabited by Ligurian populations, became a Roman settlement as early as the 1st century BC. Christianization here was early, and legends say that in Castelvero, a hamlet, preached the man who would become the first bishop of Tortona, Saint Marcian (2nd century AD). As evidence of this, to the north of the village we find the Romanesque church of St. Innocent. The church is mentioned in documents dating back to the 12th century. However, its existence is certainly older; its foundation is traced back to around the 4th century AD, on the ruins of a probable temple dedicated to the goddess Ceres, protector of crops.
What we will do: Our visit will start from St. Innocent. The church is located on a small and picturesque hill above the houses. It is currently a cemetery church owned by the municipality. Lovers of the Middle Ages and Romanesque architecture will be enchanted by it. The structure is excellently preserved: a Romanesque church with a single nave and a Latin plan, without an apse, with a gabled roof, it still retains its original flooring. Inside there are frescoes from different periods (approximately 12th and 13th centuries) by anonymous craftsmen. Duration: about 2/3 hours, depending on the route you wish to take Dogs: not allowed or only with a handler Contribution for the association: to be defined Clothing: comfortable
You can then continue visiting the village, paying particular attention to the medieval remains by walking along the "torniella", the street that marked the original fortified enclosure, of which the structure and remains of the defensive towers still exist. The route passes by the ruins of the Obertenghi Fortress guarding the "Genoese" gate and winds its way to what still remains the real castle, the Adorno Castle. This noble Genoese family ruled Castelletto and Silvano d’Orba for a long time. The Castle is currently private property. Along the way you can visit the Church of St. Anthony and that of St. Lawrence (both from the 16th century with later renovations) in Baroque style, entirely frescoed and rich in paintings and sculptures by artists from the Genoese area.
In case of bad weather the activity is cancelled
For information call 351-7660812
or write to
contatti@vivimonferrato.it
ATS ViviMonferrato ETS
Località Piano 32/B, 15070 Lerma, AL
CF:90028290063 - RUNTS: Rep. n° 3040
cell: 351-7660812
IBAN: IT42 M035 7601 6010 1000 3949146