User Reviews
The river flows close to the southern tower of Monastero Bormida Castle, indicating its original function was not defensive, but monastic. The earliest structure included a bell tower, church (two Romanesque columns now form a fountain), and monastic quarters with medieval arched windows, likely cell openings.
Major transformation occurred between 1394–1405 under the Del Carretto family, who fortified the area. Later Renaissance and Baroque modifications followed but preserved the late 14th-century character.
The building stands in the village’s lower square, accessible via a small bridge (the Puntet) through a historic city gate. The eastern facade includes structures from various periods, featuring a Renaissance loggia. The western side shows decorative brickwork, while the main facade reflects 17th-century Baroque style, with large pilasters.
An inner courtyard, entered through a vaulted portico, is surrounded by terraces and staircases, including a walled-in 14th-century doorway. The interior — open to the public in summer for Castelli Aperti — features mosaic floors, vaulted ceilings with floral and mythological frescoes, and private apartments on the upper floors. The underground level, accessible from the courtyard, preserves 14th-century floors and vaults.
The 27-meter tower, well-preserved despite past threats of demolition, has four levels with decorative arches — brick below, stone above — and arched windows with bi-colored stones. Restored cellars also show remains of a mill and wine press base.