Casale Open City
The monuments and museums of Casale Monferrato open to the public, one weekend a month
About Casale Open City
One weekend a month to discover Casale Monferrato
Casale Open City is the cultural event that, on the second weekend of every month, throws open the doors of the main monuments and museums of Casale Monferrato, in the heart of the province of Alessandria, Piedmont. Promoted by the Department of Culture and the Civic Museum of the City of Casale Monferrato, in collaboration with the Orizzonte Casale association, the initiative allows residents and tourists to enter churches, historic palaces, towers, and museum spaces—often closed during the week—for free or at discounted rates.
What to visit
The itinerary varies from month to month but almost always includes the city's iconic landmarks: the Castle of Monferrato, a hexagonal fortress commissioned by the Paleologi and Gonzaga families; the Baroque Church of Santa Caterina; the thousand-year-old Cathedral of Sant'Evasio with its Romanesque narthex; the Civic Tower, which overlooks the center; the Municipal Theatre; and the churches of San Domenico, San Paolo, and San Michele, as well as Palazzo Gozani di San Giorgio, which now houses the Town Hall.
- Civic Museum and Gipsoteca Bistolfi, dedicated to the Symbolist sculptor from Casale, Leonardo Bistolfi
- Synagogue and Jewish Museums, a testament to one of the most important Jewish communities in Piedmont
- Cathedral Museum, with extraordinary visits to the attic spaces of the Cathedral
The free guided walk
The heart of the initiative is the free guided walk led by Orizzonte Casale volunteers: a one-hour route through the streets and squares of the historic center, meeting on Sunday afternoon at the Piazza Castello kiosk, in front of the Municipal Theatre. It is an informal and welcoming way to hear the story of the city that was once the capital of the Marquisate of Monferrato.
A continuous project
Unlike a festival or an isolated event, Casale Open City is a recurring appointment that runs throughout the year. On some occasions, such as in March, it coincides with the National San Giuseppe Exhibition and the antiques market, doubling up with an extraordinary edition. It has become one of the key tools through which Casale Monferrato promotes its heritage and welcomes cultural tourism in the Monferrato region.
Casale Open City — edition 2026
In March 2026, Casale Open City offered two weekends of openings in Casale Monferrato. During the weekend of March 7 and 8, visitors were able to explore the Castle of Monferrato, the Church of Santa Caterina, the Cathedral of Sant'Evasio, the Municipal Theatre, the Civic Tower, and several churches in the center. On March 14 and 15, coinciding with the National San Giuseppe Exhibition, an extraordinary edition took place. The free Sunday guided walk with Orizzonte Casale volunteers was confirmed.
Programme Casale Open City 2026
Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Castle of Monferrato: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Church of Santa Caterina: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Civic Tower: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Cathedral of Sant'Evasio: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Church of San Domenico: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Church of San Michele: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Civic Museum and Gipsoteca Bistolfi: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Cathedral Museum: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, March 8, 2026
- Castle of Monferrato: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Church of Santa Caterina: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Municipal Theatre: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Civic Tower: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Palazzo Gozani di San Giorgio: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Church of San Paolo: 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Synagogue and Jewish Museums: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Cathedral Museum — visits to the Cathedral attics: 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM (max 10 people, booking recommended)
- Free guided walk with Orizzonte Casale: meeting at 3:00 PM at the Piazza Castello kiosk
Extraordinary edition — March 14 and 15, 2026
Second edition of the month on the occasion of the National San Giuseppe Exhibition and the Sunday antiques market, with monuments and times communicated by the organization closer to the event.
Highlights Casale Open City 2026
Prices Casale Open City 2026
Practical information — Casale Open City
Where
Historic center of Casale Monferrato (AL). The meeting point for the guided walk is the kiosk in Piazza Castello, in front of the Municipal Theatre.
When
The second weekend of every month (Saturday and Sunday). The free walk starts on Sunday in the early afternoon.
Costs
Admission to most monuments and the guided walk is free; some museums (Synagogue and Jewish Museums, Gipsoteca Bistolfi, Cathedral Museum) may require a ticket.
How to get there
Casale Monferrato is accessible by train via the lines for Alessandria, Vercelli, Mortara, and Asti; by car via the SS31 of Monferrato.
Information
Municipality of Casale Monferrato, tel. +39 0142 444330 / +39 0142 444309.
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Where does it take place — Casale Open City
Centro storico di Casale Monferrato
Piazza Castello, 15033 Casale Monferrato