San Marzanotto: Church Art, History and Views

San Marzanotto combines church art, historical traces, expansive views and paths through the Piedmontese hilly landscape. The parish church of San Marziano, the Museo del territorio and the route to Mongardino reveal different aspects of the village, from sacred art to the landscape.

Church, History and Art in San Marzanotto

The parish church of San Marziano stands at a viewpoint in the San Marzanotto district. It includes a spacious church square and access stairs. The building therefore defines a clearly identifiable place in the village where architecture and landscape meet directly.

Inside, the vault decoration from 1910 recounts the three theological virtues. In the apse, there is a fresco by Anacleto Laretto depicting the triumph of Saint Marziano in heaven. The church thus offers a specific cultural detail for anyone who would also like to discover sacred art during their trip.

The historical traces of the place reach further back: San Marzanotto is equated with the ancient Sanctum Marcianus, mentioned in a document by Frederick Barbarossa from 1159. The Castello di Belangero is also located in the Frazione San Marzanotto, at Località Belangero 151, 14100 Asti AT. The three-storey castle was built around the 10th or 11th century and housed Count Camillo Benso di Cavour.

Another facet of local history is shown by the Museo del territorio. It tells the agricultural history through more than 200 objects, including furniture, tools and other items from rural everyday life that were recovered from houses in the surrounding area. In addition, San Marzanotto features murals by artists such as Casorati, Fresu, Andreasi, Brignolo and Guglielminetti.

Views and Paths around the Village

From the forecourt of the church of San Marziano, the views extend on clear days across the Piedmontese Alps, the upper and lower Monferrato, the Roero hills and the Alta Langa. The forecourt thus connects the church of San Marziano with a broad landscape panorama.

The San Marzanotto–Mongardino route begins at Piazza Alfieri below the church of San Marziano. In its surroundings, on Colle San Antonio, lies the Sacro Monte in Mongardino: a complex built in 1739 with 13 chapels arranged in a ring around the hill and a small church at the summit. The route, hill and chapels come together as an excursion theme that fits well into a trip with changing daily plans, without limiting the village to just one way of travelling.

The Asti–Alba cycling loop via the Langhe is 51 km long. Borgo San Marzanotto announces a programme with live music, an outdoor restaurant and other events for the week before the Palio di Asti.

Holiday Apartment in San Marzanotto to Suit Your Travel Plans

A holiday apartment in San Marzanotto can be incorporated into a travel plan that takes historical sites and art, views or physical activity into account. The church of San Marziano and the Museo del territorio provide cultural highlights; the San Marzanotto–Mongardino route and the 51 km Asti–Alba cycling loop via the Langhe complement this selection with paths and activity.

Other Destinations in the Area

For further research, you can also include Nizza Monferrato, Viarigi, Cisterna D'asti, Villa San Secondo, Calliano, Calamandrana, Cerro Tanaro and Vaglio Serra in your plans.

For the higher-level travel overview: Asti.