Comune Castellazzo Bormida

via XXV Aprile - 15073 Castellazzo Bormida (AL)
Tel. +39 (0131) 272.801
Fax: +39 (0131) 270.337
E-mail: sindaco.ferraris@comunecastellazzobormida.it
http://www.comune.castellazzobormida.al.it/it-it/home

Castellazzo Bormida was born with the name of Gamondio in the 7th-8th century, in the Longobard period, and goes on to become a "corte regia" direct imperial property. In 1168, it contributes to the foundation of Alessandria, with 40 families. It preserves the medieval historical centre and parts of its defensive structures, with the Clock Tower, the Keep, the elliptical outline of the municipal wall and the pentagonal wall commissioned by Ludovico il Moro (15th century).
The religiousness of Castellazzo is witnessed by the large number of churches, so much that it is known as "the village of the 40 churches", and by the fact that it is the birthplace of 3 saints: Saint Ugo Canefri (12th century) Saint Paul of the Cross (18th century) - the sites connected with him are still the destination for pilgrims from all over the world) and Saint Gregory Mary Grassi (20th century). Of the 12 remaining churches, we mention those with the greatest historic-artistic importance.
San Martino: it is said to be the oldest church of Castellazzo, of Romanesque architecture, with an interesting portal featuring column-bearing lions. Today, it is primarily characterized by works carried out on it in the 16th century.
Trinità da Lungi: as the name says, it is isolated in the countryside, outside the village. It was built in the 12th century and is an important example of Romanesque architecture for the sculptural decoration of the capitals. The church preserves frescoes of the 14th-15th centuries.
Santo Stefano extra muros: this church is also far from the centre and presents Romanesque characteristics, in the apses and in the crypt. The interior and the facade date back to the Baroque period.
Santa Maria della Corte: the Church originated around the year 1000, but it has been heavily re-modelled in modern times, with a richly decorated interior.
The art works include the sculpture of the Madonna by Filiberti (15th century) in the facade and a particular Venetian lion in marble.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Crete: the origins of the devotion go back to the 17th century, when the sculpture of Our Lady was venerated here, a practice which continues to this day. As the number of faithful grew the votive chapel became an imposing Sanctuary between the late 19th and early 20th century. Today it is commonly called "Madonnina dei Centauri" because it protects motorcyclists: a famous international motorbike rally has developed here and is repeated every July.