Comune Morsasco

via Matteotti, 10 - 15010 Morsasco (AL)
Tel. +39 (0144) 730.22
Fax: +39 (0144) 731.40
E-mail: demografici@comunemorsasco.it
https://www.comune.morsasco.al.it/it-it/home

The village, situated halfway between Ovada and Acqui Terme, rises around the castle that is accessed along a narrow and steep lane that leads to a beautiful square overlooked by the parish church, the watch tower and the house called "Del Boia". Above the gate that leads to the castle, there is a lovely bell tower dating from 1697. All around, you can enjoy a picturesque view of the hills, vineyards and gracious rural churches. Having passed the castle threshold, climb following the stone path to reach the 16th century Parish Church dedicated to Saint Bartolomeo with interior frescoes by the painter Pietro Ivaldi called Il Muto. The Castle, a superb manor positioned in a dominating position over Val Bormida, rises majestically above the houses of the ancient medieval fortification that is accessed by passing through another gate, obtained at the bottom of the bell tower that still presents traces of the drawbridge. The castle, mentioned since the 13th century, belonged to the Dei Bosco, the Malaspina, the Lodron, the Gonzaga, the Centurion Scotto and to the Pallavicino. Over the centuries, it has lost the military characteristics of the early days and is now a stately home with great halls and delightful rooms, result of the 18th century expansion. The stone fireplace of the New Hall commissioned by the Lodron in the early 16th century and the Real Tennis game gallery (early 18th century) are both particularly beautiful. The interior chapel, built where there was once the well of the inner courtyard, is of the early 18th century and dedicated to Saint Catherine from Siena. The Church of San Vito, located slightly outside the town centre, is the oldest building in the area; it features a beautiful semi-circular apse.