Guazzolo: Church, Views and Historic Trails

Guazzolo combines sacred architecture, places of remembrance and scenic views with a section of the Cammino Monferrato Don Bosco.

Church and Local History

The parish of Santissimo Nome di Maria in Guazzolo di Castelletto Merli is connected to the Diocese of Casale Monferrato; its history can be traced back to the period from 1517 to 1986. The church of the same name has a raised central section of the façade and two lower, convex-curved side wings. Its bell tower is 24 metres high and has an inclination of 48 centimetres. For those interested in culture, the church combines its parish history with a clearly articulated façade and the leaning bell tower.

Tenuta Masone and Monastic Traces

Tenuta Masone is also part of Guazzolo's history. It was acquired by the Magnocavalli family in 1802, later passed to the Cassone family and was donated by Pacifico Cassone to the Giuseppini di Asti. Pacifico Cassone was the king's secretary and Enrichetta's husband. La Mason was a large grange and the seat of a monastery. Tenuta Masone is designated for viewing from the outside.

Places of Remembrance and Views

Parco della Rimembranza is located on the grounds of the former parish church and houses a monument honouring the Alpini. This former parish church was dedicated to San Vincenzo and stood in the Guazzolo cemetery. The cemetery also contains the tomb of the Cassone-Dell’Aglio family, with its characteristic pointed roof.

The Guazzolo cemetery is considered particularly scenic. From there, Castello Cavallero in Ponzano and Sacro Monte di Crea can be seen. In addition to Tenuta Masone, it also offers a rare view of the Maritime Alps.

Trails with Historical Connections

Stage 7 of the Cammino Monferrato Don Bosco covers a 7.3-kilometre section from Crea via Ponzano and Castelletto Merli to Guazzolo. Another historical trail connection dates back to 1861: during Don Bosco's walk with the young people, the route led through Guazzolo and onward to Alfiano Natta and the Santuario di Crea. For a walk from Crea via Ponzano, Castelletto Merli and Guazzolo, the distance of 7.3 kilometres provides a concrete planning framework.

Practical Orientation in the Village

Piazza Querce Rossi is home to the cyclists' fountain known as the “fontana del ciclista”. Together with Via Masone, the cemetery and the historic buildings and places of remembrance, it provides orientation through several specific points. For exploring the village, the church, Tenuta Masone, Parco della Rimembranza and the tomb can be considered historical points of reference; Via Masone, designated as a viewpoint, and the Cammino complement these with landscape and trail history.

Further destinations: San Cristoforo, Cuccaro Monferrato, Ponzone, Garadassi, San Salvatore Monferrato, Gavi, Orsara Bormida and Villanova Monferrato.

Alessandria