Discover Masio: Tower History, the Tanaro and Regional Cuisine

Tower History and Churches

The medieval tower of Masio dates back to the 13th century and has been declared a national monument. Its history is at the heart of the Museo La Torre e il Fiume. The museum uses seven floors to present the history of the Masio tower and, more generally, the history of the area’s historic towers. The tour of the Museo La Torre e il Fiume leads to the top of the tower. From there, visitors can look out over the river, the plain and the hills of Monferrato. Those planning the tour should consider the route to the top of the tower as part of the museum visit. The visit can therefore focus on the tower’s interior and the final panoramic view of the landscape.

The Parrocchiale dei SS Maria e Dalmazzo in Masio was built between the 13th and 14th centuries in the Romanesque-Gothic style and has a well-preserved interior. The church, dedicated to Saint Dalmazzo, preserves a relic identified as the finger of Saint Dalmazzo. The recently restored church of Santa Maria Maddalena in Masio preserves an important polychrome plaster altar by Solari. For those interested in culture, the well-preserved interior of the Parrocchiale and the polychrome plaster altar at Santa Maria Maddalena are the main highlights. The religious buildings have different focal points: the Parrocchiale combines its well-preserved interior with the Dalmazzo relic, while Santa Maria Maddalena preserves Solari’s polychrome plaster altar. The architectural history extends from the tower and the Parrocchiale, dating from the 13th century, to the 18th-century noble residence.

Palazzo Baiveri is a noble residence built by the family of the same name in the 18th century.

Nature along the Tanaro

Nature trail 870 runs along the banks of the Tanaro, crosses vineyards and passes through coppice woods with cherry trees, field maples, English oaks, Turkey oaks, black locusts and downy oaks. Herons and kingfishers can also be spotted along the Tanaro. Those planning the trail for a walk combined with nature observation can consider the riverbanks, vineyards and coppice woods as separate sections. The view from the top of the tower and the nature trail offer different perspectives of the river: one from above and the other along the riverbank. For nature enthusiasts, the walk can include not only the riverbank but also the different tree species and the two bird species that can be observed.

Getting to Masio

Masio can be reached from Felizzano and Oviglio via SP 245 and from Quattordio via SP 247.

Monferrato Cuisine

The cuisine in Masio is typical of Monferrato and includes dishes associated with local folk tradition. Typical De.Co. products from Masio include Subrich, traditional asparagus and honey. Barbera DOC is one of Masio’s best-known products. Those planning to enjoy regional cuisine during their trip can consider Subrich, traditional asparagus, honey and Barbera DOC as specific culinary highlights of Masio.

Rooms at Castello di Redabue

Castello di Redabue offers rooms for celebrations, baptisms and corporate events.

More destinations

Lobbi, Lu, Acqui Terme, Bosco Marengo, Pietra Marazzi, Castelnuovo Bormida, Ponti, Garadassi

For the main travel overview: Alessandria.