Visit this fairy-tale village and be enchanted by its cobblestone streets, the charming alleys that ascend the castle hill, and the two historic wells that reveal the village’s ancient water system. More than just a place, Arquata Scrivia is a plunge into medieval times, where every stone tells a story, every corner hides a secret, and every building reflects the architectural mastery of its time.
Arquata Scrivia, a medieval village nestled in the province of Alessandria, is a Piedmontese gem ready to tell its thousand-year history. Founded in 1077, this village enchants with its architecture that reflects the artistry of a bygone era. Its guardians are the ruins of a 13th-century castle and the imposing Palazzo Marchionale, witnesses to the past rule of the Genoese Spinola family. Its paved streets immerse visitors in an authentic plunge into the Middle Ages, bringing to life stories of battles and nobility. The two ancient entrance arches signal the adventure into the historic core, where every stone, every ascending alley, and every historic well coalesces into a living narrative. Arquata Scrivia is not only a site of rare beauty, but an experience to be lived, which is enriched by the many cultural, gastronomic and naturalistic offerings for an unforgettable visit.
History and origins
Nestled in lower Piedmont, close to the ancient Via Postumia and enveloped by the valley of the Scrivia stream, we find Arquata Scrivia, a village that preserves a unique historical and cultural heritage, evidenced by one of the largest archaeological sites in northern Italy: the Libarna area.
According to some historians, the name Arquata may derive from the presence of arches of the ancient Roman aqueduct, which, crossing the territory, fed the ancient city of Libarna and is also depicted in the municipal coat of arms.
Architecture and monuments
The town still maintains a well-defined medieval imprint, with an urban layout that winds around the main route bounded by two ancient gates. Dominating the hill, the Tower represents the last bastion of the castle dating back to the 13th century.
Arquata Scrivia also owes its fame to the powerful Genoese Spinola family. After finally coming under their control in 1313, the family maintained dominion over the village for five centuries, bequeathing us the majestic Palazzo Marchionale, the current seat of the town hall.
The architecture of the village, with its medieval houses and two ancient arches marking the entrances to the village, visually tells the story of a bygone era. Prominent among these buildings is the Gothic House, a specimen of rare beauty that preserves wooden elements and architecture that harkens directly back to the Middle Ages. The Inner Street and its picturesque alleys, full of floral names, keep alive the Romanesque and Gothic styles.
The Parish Church, at the center of the village, and the adjoining Oratory of the Assumption are places of paramount importance, bearing witness to the ancient religious and social presence. The Gothic house with its basement staircase represents an outstanding example of medieval housing, while the daily life of the past can be imagined in the story of the old bakery owned by the Spinola family, used by the community to bake bread.
Nature and landscape
The natural heritage that Arquata Scrivia offers is extraordinarily beautiful, especially near the hamlet of Vocemola. Hiking trails make it possible to explore the gullies and admire the architecture of historic residences. These include the colossal Holm Oak of Rigoroso, classified as a Monumental Tree of Piedmont for its impressive features.
Traditions and gastronomy
Arquata's culinary tradition is rich and varied with specialties such as Coppa al Gavi DOCG, Salame nobile del Giarolo, Robiola della Torre, and much more. There is no shortage of initiatives to enhance the area's products, such as the recent Hazelnut Consortium.
Arquata Scrivia is a jewel worth visiting, both to immerse yourself in a historical atmosphere and to enjoy authentic naturalistic and gastronomic experiences.
Village of Arquata Scrivia
Municipality of Arquata Scrivia
Province of Alessandria
Piedmont Region
Inhabitants: 6 265 arquatesi
Center altitude: 248 m a.s.l.
The Municipality
Piazza S. Bertelli, 21 - Tel. 0143600411
In Arquata Scrivia, the culinary tradition is based on wholesome ingredients and ancient recipes, as evidenced by the delicious Nocciolosini, small artisanal sweets created with delicious local hazelnuts. Varied is the gastronomic scene that includes delicacies such as honey, rose syrup and jams; fine pastries and fragrant focaccia; finely crafted canestrelli; brusco milk and a refreshing mulberry granita.
Arquatese cuisine boasts local dishes, including Anlöti, famous local variants of agnolotti, followed by porcini mushroom lasagna and corzetti. Don't miss the famous Canestrelli al vino, Scianconi and Frisceu id Muntudé, or the traditional Montaldero fritters.
Porcini Mushroom Sauce
A feather in the cap of Arquata's gastronomy is porcini mushroom sauce. To prepare it, start by sautéing onion and garlic, to which soaked porcini mushrooms and butter are added. With the addition of cream, chopped parsley, salt and pepper, you get an unparalleled sauce, perfect to accompany tagliatelle.
Bagna cauda
In Piedmontese tradition, bagna cauda occupies a prominent place. Garlic, oil, and desalted anchovies combine in an aromatic sauce that may also include butter, cream, and nuts. Typically tasted during the grape harvest, it represents a convivial dish that is a must on cold autumn and winter evenings.
Stuffed lettuces
Present in the Arquates recipe book since the late 1800s, stuffed lettuces are a main course in which the lettuce leaf wraps a filling of meat, sausage, stale bread, milk and Parmesan cheese. They are cooked slowly in a tomato sauce that enhances their flavor.
Complementing the local gastronomy are frisceu, whose recipe is guarded as a true communal treasure. In both sweet and savory versions, these fritters, especially those enriched with codfish, delight palates during the dedicated festival that enlivens Sottovalle in August.
