Cella Monte
Welcome to Cella Monte: a treasure among the hills of Monferrato
If you are looking for a peaceful and charmingly ancient place, then Cella Monte is the perfect location for you. Situated between Casale Monferrato and Alessandria, this town holds a unique treasure: Pietra da Cantoni, a precious building stone that formed during the Miocene. With its abundant presence, this stone has contributed to creating one of the most beautiful landscapes in Piedmont: the Viticultural Landscapes of Monferrato. In short, if you are seeking a place to enjoy a unique experience among cultures, history, and natural wonders, then Cella Monte is definitely the right place for you.
Discover the beauty of the Monferrato hills
The territory of Cella Monte extends over an area sheltered from the provincial road, in the heart of the Viticultural Landscapes of Monferrato. Here you can admire Pietra da Cantoni, a submerged rock that formed between 20 and 14 million years ago. Thanks to its relatively shallow position compared to the sea, the Pietra da Cantoni of Cella Monte developed a unique yellowish color that makes it one of the most valuable building stones in the world, alongside the more famous Pietra leccese. The prestigious quality of the Pietra da Cantoni of Cella Monte is evidenced by the monuments and places of interest that the town hosts.
Discover the history and culture of Cella Monte
The first records of Cella Monte date back to the 12th century when the toponym of the village was used both in the plural form "cellae" and in the singular form "cella." The most accepted hypothesis is that the name derives from the wine "cellar," local cellars carved into the sandstone that constituted the first dwellings. In addition to Pietra da Cantoni, Cella Monte boasts a series of monuments and places steeped in history and culture. It is worth visiting the Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta, consecrated in 1633, the Castle, transformed into a noble residence in the seventeenth century, and the Radicati Palace, the home of the bishop of Casale Monferrato Pietro Secondo Radicati. For art and architecture enthusiasts, instead, Palazzo Volta is a monument of considerable historical and artistic interest within the local culture.
Discover the traditions of Cella Monte
The culture of Cella Monte is deeply rooted in local tradition. For example, the Church of San Quirico is considered the protector of children, and every year, on the occasion of the festival, parents take their children to pray in the chapel. Furthermore, the tradition of ancient Monferrato cellars - the "infernot" - continues to thrive. These are small rooms carved into Pietra da Cantoni without light and ventilation, where farmers stored food and wine.
Conclusion
Cella Monte is a hidden gem among the Monferrato hills, where wild nature and ancient culture blend in a way that you will not find elsewhere. Here you can admire the Pietra da Cantoni, a unique rock in the world, visit ancient monuments, and participate in the centuries-old traditions of its inhabitants. A place like this deserves to be visited at least once in a lifetime.
