Passerano: Coin History and the Hills of Lower Monferrato

Passerano is located in the hills of Lower Monferrato in the province of Asti. The town combines historic buildings, sacred architecture and green landscapes to create a destination with a variety of cultural and scenic highlights.

Coin History and Historic Buildings

One distinctive historical trace is the Antica Zecca di Passerano. The first coins were minted from 1589 onward; it operated until 1598. That year, the Duke of Savoy withdrew the minting privilege because counterfeit coins continued to be minted. The municipal library is currently housed in the Antica Zecca di Passerano.

The Castello di Passerano also tells of changing functions. The medieval tower of the Castello di Passerano was converted into a bell tower in 1704. The Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo Apostoli has a late-Baroque façade made of exposed brick and a matching terracotta bell tower. The church has three naves; natural light enters through finely designed oval windows.

The Castello di Passerano dates back to the 14th century and was probably built by the Conti Radicati on the ruins of an earlier structure. It is the most important monument in the municipal area. Its enclosed, imposing appearance rises above the town and the surrounding landscape. The inner courtyard garden is designated as one of the historic gardens of Monferrato.

Schierano, Landscapes and Special Trail Connections

In Schierano, a hamlet of Passerano Marmorito, the Panchina Gigante Verde Pastello was inaugurated on 7 April 2019 on the hill known as “Il Mondo”. Schierano is also home to the Baroque Chiesa di San Grato Vescovo, which can be visited as a sight of interest. In addition to the historic buildings in the main town, this gives travel planning another highlight in one of its hamlets.

Boschi di Muscandia is a damp, green area extending through the landscape of Basso Monferrato. A specific trail connection is provided by the fourth stage of the Fossil Walk: it runs along the foot of Radicati Castle and ends in the centre of Passerano. Those wishing to combine trails and landscapes thematically can incorporate this route into their plans without losing sight of the town’s cultural focus.

An old, stately cedar of Lebanon stands in the well-maintained park of Castello di Primeglio. In Primeglio, the former public weighing station was transformed into the “peso dei pensieri”; small pictures display motivational sayings. If you are considering Passerano as a destination for a holiday apartment, you can therefore shape your trip around cultural discoveries, green landscapes and special places in Schierano or Primeglio. The local history, sacred architecture and landscape offer different highlights for a personally tailored break.

Other Places

Other places: Cocconato, Moncalvo, Pasquana, Olmo Gentile, Robella, Cortanze, Castagnole Monferrato, Dusino San Michele

For the higher-level travel overview: Asti.