Special Opening of the Monasterolo Casotto Castle

A castle reopens its doors in the heart of the Casotto Valley

There is something special about crossing the threshold of a monument that remains closed for most of the year. This is exactly what the special opening of the Monasterolo Casotto Castle offers. Located in a small municipality of just over eighty inhabitants nestled in the Casotto Valley, in the Province of Cuneo, in the heart of south-western Piedmont, this ancient fortified house—part of the defensive complex linked to the Ceva marquisate—becomes accessible to the public for one day thanks to the Manifesta Bellezza initiative promoted by the Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo Foundation (Fondazione CRC).

The fortified house and its history

The Monasterolo Casotto Castle is a testament to the network of fortifications that, in the Middle Ages, guarded the valleys of the Cuneo area and the transit routes towards Liguria. Included among the FAI 'Places of the Heart'—nominated by the community in numerous editions of the census—the complex preserves the austere charm of mountain defensive architecture. The village itself, whose name refers to the ancient monastic settlement established around the year 1000 and the Casotto stream that flows through the valley, tells stories of centuries of alpine life, depopulation, and the slow recovery of its heritage.

Manifesta Bellezza: heritage with open doors

The opening is part of Manifesta Bellezza, the program through which the Fondazione CRC supports the restoration, conservation, and enhancement of cultural heritage in the Cuneo area, fostering initiatives that improve accessibility and public enjoyment. In this context, monuments that are normally not visitable, such as the fortified house of Monasterolo Casotto, are exceptionally opened, allowing residents and visitors to rediscover a piece of often-forgotten local history.

What to expect from your visit

• Access to a historic building not normally open to the public
• An immersion in the atmosphere of an alpine village in the Casotto Valley
• The opportunity to combine the visit with a walk through the hamlets (Sottana, Soprana) and the surrounding trails
• Direct contact with the heritage supported by the Fondazione CRC

The visit requires mandatory booking: given the nature of the site and limited availability, it is necessary to contact the Municipality of Monasterolo Casotto in advance. A precious opportunity for those who love slow tourism, authentic villages, and discovering corners of Piedmont far from the beaten path.