Ponzano Monferrato: History, Gardens and Monferrato Cuisine

Ponzano Monferrato combines historical heritage, sacred art, garden culture, regional cuisine and wine. You can discover the town through specific buildings, local specialities and experiences among vineyards, orchards and walking routes.

Historical Heritage and Sacred Art

Castello di Ponzano is first mentioned in a document from 1014. The origins of Castello di Salabue are dated to the late 13th century; it was first mentioned in 1349. The Parrocchiale di San Giovanni Battista contains frescoes depicting the birth of John the Baptist, the three Marys, the beheading of John the Baptist, the four Evangelists and the theological virtues. The parish church was rebuilt approximately between 1660 and 1670.

Villa Il Cedro and Its Garden

Villa Il Cedro is a particular highlight. Its garden layout dates from 1877. The garden, which is still completely preserved today, includes curved flowerbeds with low boxwood hedges and lawns. The low hedges create a formal boundary between the flowerbeds and the lawns, while the curved lines define the layout of the historic garden. Thus, alongside architecture and frescoes, the historic design of the outdoor space is another specific aspect you can discover in Ponzano Monferrato.

Traditional Cuisine and Local Products

Typical dishes from Ponzano Monferrato include Agnolotti monferrini al sugo d'arrosto. Mustarda ad Pum san is a mostarda made from grape must and received municipal De.Co. recognition in 2010. Markets for local products complement this culinary focus: the event “Ponzano in... giardini, arte e gastronomia” is considered a supporting event for “Riso & Rose in Monferrato”.

Vineyards, Orchards and Tastings

As part of the “La Vendemmia” programme, Cascina Zenevrea combines the grape harvest with pressing the grapes by foot and transferring the must into a barrel for winemaking. The “A spasso fra Vigne, Campi e Frutteto” programme is a tour covering seasonal cultivation work and the identification of different fruit varieties. At Azienda Agricola Alemat, wine tastings and the sale of wine are part of the offering; it also provides guided vineyard tours by prior appointment.

Routes and Events in Monferrato

The 71-kilometre SUPERGA CREA route connects the Basilica of Superga with the Santuario di Crea via the Canonica di Vezzolano. At 71 kilometres, the route can be included in travel planning as a separate item in the itinerary alongside local sightseeing. For your travel planning, this route creates another thematic connection between sacred sites and the landscape. Supporting events include flower and herb markets, markets for local products, and guided openings of the gardens of castles and historic residences.

More destinations for your trip to Italy: Frassinello Monferrato, Capriata D'orba, Odalengo Piccolo, Carrosio, Tagliolo Monferrato, Serralunga Di Crea, Paderna, Mombello Monferrato.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Alessandria.