Discover Fontanile: Churches, Towers and Vineyards

Fontanile among Churches and Traces of Fortifications

Fontanile combines sacred architecture, historical traces and a hilly landscape shaped by vineyards. The parish church of San Giovanni Battista features eclectic architecture with neo-Gothic elements. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the site of an older church, which was demolished in 1897.

Historic Places with Their Own Character

In the hamlet of Frazione Croci stands the Santuario Nostra Signora di Neirano, a rural church dating from the 14th century. The first documented evidence of the sanctuary's hermitage dates from 1473. Another trace of the former fortifications is the Torre degli Ansaldi. It is the only surviving one of four towers that belonged to Fontanile's first defensive walls.

Bricco San Martino also combines landscape and history. The site is a meditation area and a viewpoint. At the same time, Bricco San Martino was an ancient place of worship and was later used as a hospital during a period of plague. This makes this single landscape feature a representative of several historical layers.

Vineyards, Viewpoints and Circular Trail

Chris Bangle's Panchina Gigante Fontanile stands at a viewpoint beneath three oak trees amid the vineyards. The marked circular trail Percorsi tra le colline – Sentiero C-C1 leads through clayey hills and vineyards and offers panoramic views. Walks and hikes therefore make it possible to take in the views, viticulture and the characteristic shape of the hilly landscape together.

Castles, Parks and Destinations in the Surrounding Area

The Aecheological Civic Museum is located in the wider regional surroundings of Fontanile. There are also several castles in the area: Castello dei Paleologi is a castle in the vicinity of Fontanile. Castello d'Orsara Bormida is also a castle in the vicinity of Fontanile. Castello di Morsasco is likewise a castle in the vicinity of Fontanile. These destinations complement the local churches and Torre degli Ansaldi with additional historic buildings.

There are also various parks and gardens in the vicinity of Fontanile. Parco del Castello is a park in the vicinity of Fontanile, as are the Terme di Acqui Terme. In the wider regional surroundings are the Giardini “Maestri Ottavio”, a garden complex, and Le Ciazze, a summit.

Travel by Train and Bus

The nearest railway station is in Mombaruzzo and can be reached from Fontanile by car in just a few minutes. Fontanile can also be reached by bus route 81 from Acqui Terme and bus route 95 from Alessandria. The station in Mombaruzzo and the two bus routes are the specific transport connections to Fontanile.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

Moncalvo, Serravalle, Mombercelli, Mombaruzzo, Belveglio, Casorzo, Baglio, Castelnuovo Calcea

For the higher-level travel overview: Asti.