Cassine: Medieval Town Center, Culture and Landscape

Cassine combines a center shaped by the Middle Ages with cultural sites, the Strada Franca del Monferrato and three events held on fixed dates. The historic center preserves its medieval appearance and has a concentric layout around a square.

Historic Center and Evidence of San Francesco

From Piazza Italia, where there is a parking area for cars, a structured and uphill route leads into the historic center of Cassine. The Chiesa di San Francesco stands there; it was built by the Franciscans at the end of the 13th century. During restoration work from 1924 to 1927, it was returned almost entirely to its original condition. The medieval structure of the center and the restoration of the church therefore date from different historical periods.

The Chiesa di San Francesco also houses the Museo degli arredi. Its exhibition space is located in the Sala Capitolare, a preserved wing of the former cloister, and thus remains associated with the church’s historic architectural context. The Museo d'arte sacra di San Francesco is dedicated to Paola Benzo Dapino, who belonged to a long-established family from Cassine. The dedication additionally establishes a connection to Cassine’s history of long-established families.

Landscape and Trails in Monferrato

The Bosco delle Sorti - La Communa area covers 1,819 hectares and lies between Alice Bel Colle, Cassine and Ricaldone. It was established in 2001 to enhance natural and landscape resources and designated as a Sito di Importanza Regionale.

The Strada Franca del Monferrato is a long route through the plain and hill country. It runs through the territory of ten municipalities in the Province of Alessandria and is therefore not limited to a single type of landscape. The Strada Franca consequently passes through different landscape areas, while the Province of Alessandria provides the common framework for its ten municipalities.

Getting There and Finding Your Way Locally

The Stazione Ferroviaria di Cassine is located on Via San Zeno. The Acqui Terme–Alessandria bus line also stops in Cassine, complementing the railway station with a second arrival option with its own route information.

Festivals, Dance and Regional Food Culture

Cassine offers several events held on fixed dates throughout the year. The Festa Medioevale di Cassine takes place on the first weekend of September. The Festival di Danza Antica follows on the second Sunday in October. The Scorribanda Cassinese – Sagra del Raviolo is held on the third Sunday in June. The dates fall in June, September and October and are therefore spread across several months of the year.

Another historical detail can be found at the Portello: a remnant of a brick arch has been preserved there, commonly attributed to the more complex structure of one of Cassine’s five town gates. What remains at the Portello is therefore the arch remnant; the attribution refers to the more complex structure of one of the five town gates. This gate led to the de Burmida district.

Discover More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also view Ottiglio, Trisobbio, Occimiano, Bistagno, Cassinelle, Lobbi, Fubine and Corteranzo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Alessandria.