Casale Città Aperta - June Edition
A June weekend discovering the monuments and museums of Casale Monferrato
About Casale Città Aperta
Casale Città Aperta: The city gates are thrown open
For an entire weekend in June, the historic center of Casale Monferrato, the capital of the Lower Monferrato in the Province of Alessandria (Piedmont), transforms into a vast open-air museum. Casale Città Aperta is a cherished local tradition that grants free public access to the city's most significant monuments, historic palaces, churches, and museums. The event is organized by the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Casale Monferrato through the Civic Museum, in partnership with the volunteers of the Orizzonte Casale Association.
An itinerary through the castle, churches, and frescoed palaces
The heart of the event is the Castello del Monferrato, the fortress of the Paleologi and Gonzaga families, featuring its towers, ramparts, and exhibitions housed within its historic walls. The route continues through some of the city's most evocative sites: the spectacular Chiesa di Santa Caterina, a masterpiece of Piedmontese Baroque; the Cattedrale di Sant'Evasio with its extraordinary Romanesque narthex; the Torre Civica, offering panoramic views over the rooftops and the hills of Monferrato; and the churches of San Domenico, San Michele, and San Paolo.
Among the most beloved stops is Palazzo Gozani di San Giorgio, the seat of the Town Hall, with its rooms adorned by the mythological frescoes of Francesco Lorenzi. The weekend is also the perfect opportunity to explore the city's rich museum heritage: the Civic Museum and Gipsoteca Leonardo Bistolfi, dedicated to the great local symbolist sculptor; the Synagogue and Jewish Museums, a testament to one of the oldest communities in Piedmont; and the Cathedral Museum, with its access to the cathedral's matronei (galleries).
The free guided walk
In addition to self-guided visits, the Orizzonte Casale Association offers a free one-hour guided walk led by volunteers, exploring the city's main monuments. The meeting point is on Sunday at 3:30 PM at the kiosk in Piazza Castello, in front of the Teatro Municipale. It is a simple and convivial way to learn about the history of Casale, which was for centuries the capital of the Duchy of Monferrato.
An opportunity to discover the capital of Monferrato
Casale Città Aperta strengthens the bond between the locals and their heritage while welcoming visitors from across Piedmont and neighboring provinces. Most sites offer free admission, while standard entry fees apply to some museums. The event is part of a calendar of special openings that bring the historic center of this elegant Piedmontese city to life throughout the year.
Casale Città Aperta — edition 2026
For the June 2026 edition, scheduled for Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, Casale Città Aperta offers access to numerous sites in the historic center. The Castello del Monferrato can be visited on Saturday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Also open are the Chiesa di Santa Caterina (Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM-6:30 PM, choir 2:30 PM-6:30 PM), the Torre Civica, the Cattedrale di Sant'Evasio (3:00 PM-5:30 PM), the churches of San Domenico, San Michele, and San Paolo, and Palazzo Gozani (Sunday only). Regarding museums, the Civic Museum and Gipsoteca Bistolfi (paid entry), the Synagogue and Jewish Museums, and the Cathedral Museum are accessible. On Sunday at 3:30 PM, the free guided walk led by Orizzonte Casale volunteers departs from the Piazza Castello kiosk.
Programme Casale Città Aperta 2026
Opening hours (June 13-14, 2026)
- Castello del Monferrato: Saturday 3:00 PM-7:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM-1:00 PM and 3:00 PM-7:00 PM
- Chiesa di Santa Caterina: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM-6:30 PM (choir 2:30 PM-6:30 PM)
- Torre Civica: Saturday 3:30 PM-6:30 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM-12:30 PM and 3:30 PM-6:30 PM
- Cattedrale di Sant'Evasio: Saturday and Sunday 3:00 PM-5:30 PM
- Chiesa di San Domenico: Saturday 3:00 PM-5:00 PM; Sunday 3:00 PM-6:00 PM
- Chiesa di San Michele: Saturday 3:30 PM-6:30 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM-12:30 PM and 3:30 PM-6:30 PM
- Chiesa di San Paolo: Sunday 10:15 AM-12:30 PM and 3:30 PM-6:30 PM
- Palazzo Gozani: Sunday 10:00 AM-12:30 PM and 3:30 PM-6:30 PM
- Civic Museum and Gipsoteca Bistolfi (paid): Saturday and Sunday 10:30 AM-1:00 PM and 3:00 PM-6:30 PM
- Synagogue and Jewish Museums (paid): Sunday 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
- Cathedral Museum: Saturday and Sunday 3:00 PM-6:00 PM
Highlights Casale Città Aperta 2026
- Opening of the Castello del Monferrato with towers, ramparts, and internal exhibitions
- Free guided walk on Sunday at 3:30 PM from Piazza Castello
- Mythological frescoes by Francesco Lorenzi at Palazzo Gozani
- Chiesa di Santa Caterina, a jewel of Piedmontese Baroque
Prices Casale Città Aperta 2026
Practical information — Casale Città Aperta
When
A weekend in June (Saturday and Sunday). General opening of sites from Saturday afternoon to Sunday evening, with specific hours for each monument and museum.
Where
Historic center of Casale Monferrato (AL), Piedmont. Meeting point for the guided tour: Piazza Castello, at the kiosk in front of the Teatro Municipale.
Costs
Free admission to most monuments and churches. Some museums (Civic Museum and Gipsoteca Bistolfi, Synagogue and Jewish Museums) may charge a standard entrance fee. The Sunday guided walk is free.
Information
Department of Culture - Civic Museum of Casale Monferrato. Phone: +39 0142 444330 / 444309 / 444249 - Email: [email protected]
Getting there
Casale Monferrato is accessible by car via the A26 motorway (Casale Sud/Nord exit) and by train via the city's railway station. The historic center is easily explored on foot.
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Where does it take place — Casale Città Aperta
Centro storico di Casale Monferrato
Piazza Castello, 15033 Casale Monferrato