Rocca Grimalda: Mask Culture, Wine and Pilgrimage Tradition

Rocca Grimalda between Rocky Spur and Wine Country

Rocca Grimalda is a medieval settlement situated at the tip of a rocky spur, overlooking the left bank of the Orba. From this elevated position, the view stretches from the final foothills of the Apennines to the hills of Monferrato. The location combines the medieval character of the settlement with sweeping views across the surrounding area.

Masks, Customs and Pilgrimage Tradition

The Museo della Maschera di Rocca Grimalda is Italy’s only museum expressly dedicated to masks. It focuses on masks used in traditional calendar festivals in Italy and Europe. A visit provides direct access to a cultural subject that is closely linked to traditional festival forms in Rocca Grimalda.

For planning your visit, please note: the Museo della Maschera di Rocca Grimalda is open on Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. until the second Sunday in October. On other days, visits for schools or groups are possible by prior arrangement.

The local festival tradition also includes the Lachera of Rocca Grimalda. It combines dance, ritual and theatrical performance and goes back to ancient springtime fertility and supplication customs.

The Church of San Giacomo in the hamlet of the same name is associated with the cult of the apostle Saint James. This developed from the 9th century onward in connection with the medieval pilgrimage tradition to Compostela. The church is located along an old road that connected the Roman routes from Libarna and Gavi via San Cristoforo, Capriata and San Giacomo to Acqui and was used by pilgrims.

Peirbuieira and Winegrowing

The town’s distinctive culinary speciality is Peirbuieira. This local dish follows a deliberately secret recipe and a very old folk tradition.

Peirbuieira can be sampled at the Festa della Peirbuieira festival. It traditionally takes place on the last Sunday in August and the three preceding days. This date connects the local dish with a festive occasion in the annual cycle.

Winegrowing also shapes Rocca Grimalda. Neat rows of vines and vivid colours define the landscape, while the town looks back on a centuries-old tradition of wine production. This includes Dolcetto di Rocca.

Gardens, Castles and Peaks in the Surrounding Area

The garden of Castello di Rocca Grimalda is laid out according to a Baroque scheme. It includes an Italian garden, a grove or romantic garden, and a secret garden with aromatic and medicinal herbs in the style of a medieval monastery garden.

The Castello Di Trisobbio castle is located in the immediate vicinity of Rocca Grimalda. The surrounding area also includes Castello d'Orsara Bormida, Castello di Morsasco and Castello Prasco. The castles complement the image of a landscape in which historic buildings and rural spaces stand side by side.

The peaks of Le Ciazze and Monte Pracaban are located around Rocca Grimalda. In the wider regional area lie Monte Tobbio and the peak of il Poggio.

Further Destinations for Orientation

Further places for orientation: Ponzone, Camagna Monferrato, Figino, Borgo Adorno, Gavi, Cuccaro Monferrato, Silvano D'orba, Cavatore

For the overview of the wider travel region: Alessandria.