Arquata Scrivia: Stone Portals, Baroque and Landscapes

Arquata Scrivia combines preserved stone architecture, sacred art and unusual landscapes with routes that appeal to different interests. Stone portals dating from the 13th to the 15th century have been preserved in Via Interiore. Together with the Parrocchia di S. Giacomo, the cultural sites in the town and the landscapes of Montaldero, Sottovalle and Rigoroso, they create a destination that you can explore according to your interests and daily rhythm.

Stone, Sacred Spaces and Baroque Traces

The Parrocchia di S. Giacomo has three naves, separated by sandstone pillars from the quarries of Arquata. Its crypt was built from 1633 onwards. Frescoes depicting the history of salvation include, among other scenes, the Annunciation, the Passion of Jesus Christ and the Resurrection; they are attributed to Giovanni Battista Carlone or Lazzaro Tavarone.

The Pozzo Barocco also takes you back to an earlier era: the oldest document mentioning its existence dates from 1598. Its architectural features are associated with the visual culture of the early Ligurian Baroque. Another historical date is provided by the Chiesa di S. Antonio. It was ceremonially reopened on Sunday, January 16, 2005.

Routes Between Stone Buildings and Badlands

The circular route in the Montaldero area includes the Strada dei Soldati. There, characteristic stone buildings can be seen as evidence of an old local tradition of stone masonry. The circular route also passes the ruins of a 13th-century castle and offers wide panoramic views. In this way, movement through the landscape is combined with traces of the area’s architectural and local history.

A different landscape awaits you along the road to Sottovalle. From there, you can enjoy views of badland formations in a barren, rugged landscape with a moonlike shimmer. In Rigoroso stands the Leccio di Rigoroso, a monumental holm oak that is a rare tree species in this area. The tree has a circumference of about 4 metres and is 15 metres tall.

Culture and Creative Places in Arquata Scrivia

The Teatro della Juta was converted into a theatre in 2013. Its entrance is on Via Bruno Buozzi in Arquata Scrivia, near the railway station. The Accademia della Juta offers artistic and educational activities in the fields of cinema, dance, music and juggling. The municipal Parco Mairano complements this cultural side with a sensory park featuring scented steps, aromatic seating and music areas.

A Stage Destination for Trip Planning

Arquata Scrivia is the endpoint of the seventh stage of the Cammino PiemonteSud from Castel dé Ratti. Those who combine their journey with this route can regard the town as the destination of a stage. On other days, historical spaces, sacred art, creative activities and landscape experiences can be given different levels of emphasis.

Choosing Accommodation That Suits Your Travel Rhythm

When choosing your accommodation, it is worth deciding what you want to focus on during your days. If you mainly plan to visit the stone portals, the Parrocchia di S. Giacomo, the Pozzo Barocco and the cultural sites in Arquata Scrivia, your daily schedule will differ from that of a trip focused on the circular route in the Montaldero area, the road to Sottovalle or Rigoroso. Whether you choose a hotel or another type of accommodation can therefore be sensibly guided by your personal rhythm between culture, routes and landscapes.

More Destinations for Your Trip Planning

For more travel ideas, you can also explore Gabiano, Oviglio, Casale Monferrato, Morano Sul Po, Caldirola, Olivola, Occimiano and Monticelli.

To the main travel overview: Alessandria.