Comune Molare

piazza Marconi, 2 - 15074 Molare (AL)
Tel. +39 0143 888121
Fax: +39 0143 889676
E-mail: info@comune.molare.al.it
http://www.comune.molare.al.it/Home/GuidaDettagli

A place inhabited since ancient times by the Ligurian populations, the toponym seems to derive from “saxa molaria”, a grinding stone quarry present in the area. In the mid 13th century, the first feudal lords of the village were the Marquises del Bosco; later, Molare passed first to the Malaspina, then to the Paleologi of Monferrato and later to the Gonzaga; it was finally annexed to the dominions of the Savoy family. The visit starts from the Castle: built in the second half of the 16th century by the Gaioli-Boidi family, it underwent several changes over the centuries, taking on the characteristics of a noble residence, as confirmed by the 18th century staircase and the frescoes by Ivaldi il Muto. Subsequently, the towers were raised and the crenellations added; the modifications continued until the late 19th century, carried out by Alfredo D’Andrade. Palazzo Tornielli stands a short distance away; it was built by the family in 1834 and, a few years later, a third floor and two turrets were added to the ground and main floors. The façade is a neoclassical style and the interiors were frescoed by Ignazio Tosi, a painter from Ovada. Today, the palazzo is a magnificent location for events. The Parish Church of N.S. della Pieve stands in the main square. Its construction began in 1702, but it was not completed and consecrated until 1803; the interior preserves frescoes by Ivaldi il Muto. In the lower part of the village and inserted in the cemetery enclosure we find the Pieve di Campale, the oldest building of the village where the first settlements arose. We move onto the hamlet of Rocche which is home to the Sanctuary dedicated to Mary: legend has it that in 1500, the Virgin appeared to the peasant girl Clarice. The church, built during the 17th century, has undergone subsequent modifications and restorations and was consecrated in 1873. Several excursions depart from the village that lead to the Dam of Molare, to discover an imposing structure immersed in nature that brings with it a tragic memory: on 13th August 1935, the collapse of the secondary dam of what was the Lake Ortiglieto caused victims and devastation. The residents of Molare call “Giro del Casello”, a small road once used for the passage of mules that, starting from the village square, reaches Cremolino. It is a pleasant route to do both on foot and by mountain bike. For walkers, there are lovely trails close to the River Orba that lead to a few small lakes that are very popular in summer.