The Alto Monferrato village reveals its hidden treasures with FAI
The FAI Spring Days in Montaldo Bormida, located in the province of Alessandria (Piedmont), offer a unique opportunity to discover one of the most charming centers in the Alto Monferrato. Promoted by the FAI โ National Trust for Italy through the FAI Ovada group, the guided tours lead participants along a route through alleys, palaces, and scenic viewpoints, capturing the intact charm of a village suspended between history, landscape, and tradition.
The route covers the town's most significant landmarks: the parish church of San Michele Arcangelo, embellished with works by painter Pietro Ivaldi; the oratory of San Rocco, linked to a vow made during the 1854 plague; the ruins of the ancient castle; and Palazzo Dotto with its park. Visitors are guided by Apprendisti Ciceroni, students from local schools (Santa Caterina and Barletti of Ovada), who share the history and identity of the village with enthusiasm.
Montaldo Bormida is a land of vineyards and winemaking tradition. At the end of the tour, visitors can independently reach the local wineries open for the occasion, including Cascina del Vento, Cantina Sociale Tre Castelli, and Ca' del Bric, where tastings of Monferrato wines are available. There is also no shortage of local gastronomic traditions, with 'farinata' taking center stage.
Now in their 34th edition, the FAI Spring Days have been one of Italy's most beloved cultural events since 1993: two days during which hundreds of usually inaccessible sites open their doors to the public across the peninsula. Participation is by voluntary contribution, a gesture of support for FAI's efforts to protect Italy's artistic and landscape heritage.
Visits take place in groups of up to 20 people, departing every thirty minutes from Piazza Giovanni XXIII. It is an experience designed for those who want to rediscover the roots and beauty of Piedmontese villages, far from the main tourist flows.
For the 34th edition of the FAI Spring Days, the FAI Ovada group chose to showcase Montaldo Bormida. On Saturday, March 21 (2:30 PM-6:00 PM) and Sunday, March 22 (10:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:30 PM-6:00 PM, last departure at 5:00 PM), visitors explored the village through its alleys, palaces, and scenic viewpoints.
The itinerary included the parish church of San Michele Arcangelo with works by Pietro Ivaldi, the oratory of San Rocco, the ruins of the castle, and Palazzo Dotto with its park. The groups were led by the Apprendisti Ciceroni from Ovada's schools. Afterwards, local wineries (Cascina del Vento, Cantina Sociale Tre Castelli, Ca' del Bric) opened their doors for tastings of Monferrato wines.
Saturday, March 21, 2026: guided tours from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
Sunday, March 22, 2026: guided tours from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM (last departure at 5:00 PM).
Groups of up to 20 people, departures every 30 minutes from Piazza Giovanni XXIII. Route: parish church of San Michele Arcangelo, oratory of San Rocco, castle ruins, Palazzo Dotto, and park. Local wineries open for tastings.
Montaldo Bormida is located in the Alto Monferrato, in the Province of Alessandria. By car, it can be reached via the A26 motorway (Ovada exit) or the A21; the nearest train station is in Ovada, from where you can continue by car to the village.
Tours depart from Piazza Giovanni XXIII, at the corner of Via Trinitร dei Monti.
Saturday from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM; Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM (last departure at 5:00 PM). Groups of up to 20 people, departures every 30 minutes. Visits are by voluntary contribution.
FAI Group of Ovada โ email: [email protected]. Details available on the FAI and Municipality of Montaldo Bormida websites.
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Piazza Giovanni XXIII