Just a few kilometres from Acqui Terme, the castle stands majestically above the houses of the ancient "ricetto", and is accessed through a high door at the base of the bell tower which still bears the traces of the drawbridge.
The castle, records of which date back to the 13th century, has belonged to the Del Bosco, Malaspina, Lodron, Gonzaga, Centurione Scotto and Pallavicino families.
It has lost its original military features over the centuries and is now a stately home with large halls and pleasant rooms which are the result of the 18th century expansion. The stone fireplace in the Salone Nuovo, dating back to the beginning of the 16th century, is particularly beautiful, as is the gallery dedicated to the game of Pallacorda (early 18th century). The interior chapel dates back to the early 18th century and is devoted to Santa Caterina of Siena, patron saint of the Centurione Scotto Princes. Illustrious visitors to the castle in the past have included San Luigi Gonzaga. The grounds offer a beautiful view of the Monferrato hills.
The visit begins at the entrance door to the antique "ricetto" and continues in the garden and then up to the main floor of the castle. The tour continues to the 13th century tower with the prison, before descending to the main wing of the old dungeon, passing through the dungeons to the granaries and ending in the cellar with its big barrels (containing 400-300 “brente”).The tour is usually guided by the owners.
