Open Castles — The Tower and the River Museum
Discover the medieval tower of Masio within the Piedmontese historic homes circuit
About Open Castles — Masio Tower
A medieval tower overlooking the Tanaro Valley
In the heart of the Alto Monferrato, the town of Masio (Alessandria province, Piedmont) preserves one of its most iconic landmarks: the 12th-century medieval tower, standing approximately 27 meters tall and declared a national monument. Perched atop the village, the tower has watched over the Tanaro River valley for centuries and now houses the La Torre e il Fiume Museum. It participates in the regional Open Castles circuit, welcoming visitors on select Sundays from May to October.
The museum experience
The visit is designed as a fascinating vertical itinerary: as you ascend the tower, the museum recounts the history of the region's towers—structures that originated as symbols of medieval municipal power and later became defining features of the landscape. The route highlights the deep connection between the village and the Tanaro River, which dominates the local scenery, and concludes at the top of the tower, where the view sweeps across the river, the Monferrato hills, and the Alessandria plains.
The Open Castles circuit
Open Castles is a Piedmontese initiative that simultaneously opens dozens of historic homes—castles, palaces, towers, villas, and museums—that are usually inaccessible. Supported by the Piedmont Region and the Province of Alessandria, the project aims to promote cultural tourism and connect families, history enthusiasts, and visitors with the local heritage. The Masio tower is one of the key attractions in the Alto Monferrato program.
How to visit
- Open on Sunday afternoons with free admission.
- Self-guided tours or guided/accompanied tours by reservation.
- Special openings for groups available upon request.
- Educational programs for schools and venue hire for private events are available.
A simple yet evocative opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Monferrato, blending history, landscape, and an unforgettable panoramic view.
Open Castles — Masio Tower — edition 2026
Per l'edizione 2026 di Castelli Aperti, la torre medievale di Masio (Alto Monferrato, provincia di Alessandria) accoglie i visitatori in una serie di domeniche pomeridiane, all'interno del programma regionale che apre le dimore storiche del Piemonte. Il Museo La Torre e il Fiume propone il consueto percorso verticale dedicato alla storia delle torri del territorio e al loro legame con il fiume Tanaro, con salita finale alla sommità della torre.
Calendario delle aperture 2026
- 3 e 17 maggio
- 7 e 21 giugno
- 5 e 19 luglio
- 6 e 20 settembre
- 4 e 18 ottobre
Orario: dalle 15:00 alle 18:30. Ingresso gratuito.
Programme Open Castles — Masio Tower 2026
Programma delle aperture 2026
In tutte le date il museo è aperto dalle 15:00 alle 18:30 con ingresso gratuito.
- 3 maggio — apertura della torre, visita libera o accompagnata
- 17 maggio — apertura nell'ambito della Giornata dei Castelli Aperti
- 7 giugno — apertura domenicale
- 21 giugno — apertura domenicale
- 5 luglio — apertura domenicale
- 19 luglio — apertura domenicale
- 6 settembre — apertura domenicale
- 20 settembre — apertura domenicale
- 4 ottobre — apertura domenicale
- 18 ottobre — apertura domenicale
In ogni giornata è possibile effettuare la visita libera oppure prenotare una visita guidata o accompagnata lungo il percorso museale, fino alla salita in cima alla torre. Sono previste aperture straordinarie per gruppi su richiesta. Prenotazioni al numero 0131 799131 oppure 346 8818992.
Highlights Open Castles — Masio Tower 2026
La salita alla sommità della torre medievale del XII secolo, con la vista panoramica sul fiume Tanaro, sulle colline del Monferrato e sulla pianura alessandrina. Il percorso verticale del museo dedicato alla storia delle torri del territorio.
Prices Open Castles — Masio Tower 2026
Practical information — Open Castles — Masio Tower
Location
Torre di Masio — Museo La Torre e il Fiume, Salita Torre 1, 15024 Masio (AL), Piedmont.
Getting there
By car: Masio is accessible via the A21 Turin-Piacenza motorway (exits towards Alessandria/Asti) and the Alto Monferrato provincial road network. The village is located in the Tanaro valley, between Alessandria and Asti. Parking is available near the historic center.
Hours and admission
Open Sunday afternoons from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Free admission. Guided tours by reservation.
Reservations and contact
Phone: +39 0131 799131 or +39 346 8818992. Official website: www.latorreeilfiume.it. Booking is recommended for guided tours and special group openings.
Accessibility
Due to its nature as a historic tower, the site is not accessible to visitors with mobility impairments. Pets are allowed.
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Where does it take place — Open Castles — Masio Tower
Torre di Masio - Museo La Torre e il Fiume
Salita Torre, 1, 15024 Masio