Casale Monferrato, Historic commune in Piedmont, Italy
Casale Monferrato is a commune in the province of Alessandria in Piedmont, sitting on the right bank of the river Po. A series of bridges and roads connect it to the surrounding plain, and from several spots you can see the river and the hills beyond.
The town began as a Roman settlement and grew into a medieval center with its own administration. In the 15th century it became a capital under the rule of the Palaiologos family, before passing to the Gonzaga in 1536.
The cathedral carries the name of an early martyr and still serves as the spiritual center of the community, with locals attending regular services. Inside, visitors notice the rounded arches and medieval stonework that speak to centuries of religious tradition in this town.
The commune is easy to reach via regional roads from nearby Turin, which sits about 60 kilometers to the west. Once there, you can walk through the older center and visit the main sites on foot, especially around the cathedral.
The synagogue from 1595 on Vicolo Olper is one of the best preserved Jewish religious buildings in Europe and reflects the once significant Jewish community of the town. Inside, you find fine woodwork and liturgical objects that offer insight into the religious practice of past centuries.
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