Grognardo: Castle, History and Forests

The ruins of Grognardo Castle date back to the 13th century and tower over the town of the same name.

Castle and rock formations along the ascent

Along the marked path leading uphill from the town to the castle, outcrops of three different types of rock can be observed one after another. Those planning to follow this route should therefore allow time not only for the castle ruins but also for observing the rocks along the way.

In the 16th century, the settlement around the fortified castle was characterized by houses built closely together and three gates. In the event of danger, the three gates made it easier to defend the town and its inhabitants.

Palazzo, church and local history

Palazzo Beccaria Incisa is a 16th-century aristocratic palace. It houses a 17th-century painting from the Piedmontese school depicting a mounted man leading armed troops. The building and the painting thus combine architectural history with a specific historical depiction.

The Chiesa di S. Felice was formerly owned by the monks of S. Pietro di Acqui Terme and later by the noble Beccaria family, subsequently known as Beccaro. At the same time, it is considered a thousand-year-old pieve. This building therefore brings together ecclesiastical history and the history of aristocratic ownership.

Remembrance of the wartime period

After September 8, 1943, and the German occupation during the Second World War, the Jewish couple from the Genoese Urman family found refuge in Grognardo. On January 16, 1979, Francesco and Elsa Garofalo received the “Righteous Among the Nations” award from Yad Vashem in Jerusalem for their help to the Urman family. The chronology thus extends from refuge during the occupation to later recognition in 1979.

Forests and patron saint’s feast

Hiking and horseback riding excursions are possible in the forests of Grognardo. Grognardo’s patron saint’s feast is dedicated to Saint Andrew and takes place on November 30. Those who choose this fixed date for a stay in Grognardo can combine a visit to the forests with the town’s patron saint’s feast in the annual calendar.

Getting to Grognardo

By car, Grognardo can be reached via the A26 motorway, taking the Ovada exit and State Road 456 del Turchino, or via the Alessandria Sud exit and State Road 30 di Val Bormida. The two routes thus differ in the exit selected and the State Road taken afterward.

Visone railway station is 5 km from Grognardo and is on the Acqui Terme–Ovada–Genova railway line. For travel by train, Visone is therefore the local point of reference; the railway line connects Acqui Terme, Ovada and Genova.

More places for planning your trip

Montecapraro, Fubine, Monticelli, Predosa, Frassinello Monferrato, Figino, Momperone and Cantalupo Ligure

For the main travel overview: Alessandria.