Scurzolengo: History, Chapels and Paths through the Hills

Scurzolengo combines medieval traces, distinctive chapels and paths through the hilly landscape of Astigiano Monferrato. Here, you can experience a place where history is reflected not only in individual buildings, but also in paths, viewpoints and local traditions.

Castle, Ricetto and San Lorenzo

The Castello di Scurzolengo has medieval origins; the first records of it date back to 986 AD. The Ricetto di Scurzolengo includes the original part of the ancient Castrum, which was replaced by the castle in the 14th century, and the associated Church of San Lorenzo, finely decorated in the Baroque style. The complex is completed by the bell tower and the rectory built in the mid-18th century.

Chapels with a History of Their Own

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo is a parish church of very ancient origin. Its present appearance is the result of 19th-century expansion work on a 17th-century building. The Cappella di San Lorenzo was Scurzolengo’s first parish seat and has existed solely as a chapel since 1629. Every year on 10 August, Mass is celebrated there in honour of Saint Lawrence.

The other chapels also shape the historic character of the village. The Cappella di San Giuseppe is distinguished by its slightly spiral, circular form and underwent further conservation restoration in 2022. The Cappella di San Rocco was built around 1630 and reconstructed in an octagonal form in the late 18th century. Nearby is the Parco della Rimembranza, a memorial site for those who fell in the two world wars. The Cappella di San Defendente dates back to the 17th century and was rebuilt and completed in 1867.

Hill Paths and Historic Traces

The Scurzolengo–Calliano stage of the Cammini delle alte colline ombrose e delle colline chiare begins in the centre of Scurzolengo on Via Marconi. It leads into a wooded section approximately 800 metres long and then descends into the Valle Pissapola. There is also a circular route from Scurzolengo through vineyards and the surrounding hills. The village can therefore serve as a starting point for hiking and cycling routes through the hills.

A special route idea is the Itinerario dei trogoli di Scurzolengo. It leads to round concrete basins that were formerly used to collect rainwater. The Trogoli were painted by pupils to depict Scurzolengo’s various districts. Each Trogolo has a QR code linking to a chapter from the book by Maestro Pinetu Nebiolo about the history of the municipality of Scurzolengo and its inhabitants.

Panoramas and Getting Around

Scurzolengo’s hillside location offers views of the green slopes of Astigiano Monferrato. Via Martiri della Libertà provides a panoramic viewpoint. For travel by public transport, the Scurzolengo stop is served by Arfea bus route 48 towards Asti.

Local Character and Events

The Trifola da Scursleng association is part of the local culinary identity. It was founded in 2002 to revive Scurzolengo’s truffle heritage. Golosaria is listed as one of Scurzolengo’s main events in September; the Festa Patronale di San Lorenzo is listed as one of Scurzolengo’s main events in August.

Accommodation for Planning Your Trip

When choosing accommodation in Scurzolengo, you can focus your trip on the village’s history or on activities in the hilly landscape. Cultural attractions, vineyards, wooded sections of paths and panoramas come together here to offer different opportunities for walks, excursions and an individually planned trip.

Discover More Places

For further trip planning, you can also explore San Matteo, Montemagno, Cantarana, Castagnole Monferrato, Motta Di Costigliole, Castello Di Annone, Gorra and Fontanile.

For the overarching travel overview: Asti.