Comune Grondona

via del Municipio, 2 - 15060 Grondona (AL)
Tel. +39 (0143) 632.821
Fax: +39 (0143) 632.821
E-mail: info@comune.grondona.al.it

Grondona is a charming municipality located in the Alto Monferrato area, in the province of Alessandria. Nestled among the hills of the Spinti Valley, it offers a perfect balance of history, nature, and local traditions.
Grondona's history dates back to the Early Middle Ages. In 1085, Marquis Guido Chierico sold the fiefdom of Grondona to Girvinio, a subdeacon, along with other castles and half of the castle of Grondona. In 1181, the municipality of Tortona acquired ownership of the place of Grondona, having previously held only jurisdiction. In 1185, the Marquises of Gavi ceded the castle and court of Grondona to the consuls of Tortona, releasing the lords of Grondona from their oath of fealty but requiring them to pay taxes to the municipality of Tortona. In 1235, the lords of Grondona and the consuls of Tortona signed a new agreement. The consuls released the lords of Grondona from paying the colte and fodri, while the latter promised to keep their castle garrisoned and open to the municipality of Tortona for all its needs and to aid it in war against anyone except the municipality of Genoa. The fiefdom subsequently passed to the Fieschi family and, after the famous conspiracy of Gian Luigi, to the Doria family, being incorporated into the Feud of Fabrica. The castle of Grondona, located on the summit of the mountain east of the town, was oblong in shape and equipped with three round towers. In 1934, a landslide destroyed part of the castle and damaged several houses at the foot of the mountain. The government ordered new houses to be built outside the town for those affected. Today, the municipality of Grondona is known as "Grondona nuova," while the ancient village is called "Grondona vecchia."
The town's urban layout retains medieval features, with narrow streets and small squares that testify to its evolution over the centuries.
Places of interest include the Church of Nostra Signora Assunta, built between 1865 and 1878 and featuring a salient façade with pilasters and a square-based bell tower; the ruins of Grondona Castle, located on the summit of the mountain east of the town; and the Imperial Feuds Ecomuseum.
The most important events are the Mushroom and Chestnut Festival, held every year on October 13th, with stalls selling typical and artisanal products, lunch in the square, and the possibility of renting e-bikes; and Grondona-Bio, an annual event dedicated to art, creativity, and the health of the planet. It includes an organic and artisan market, children's workshops, artistic performances, and live music.
Grondona is immersed in a mountain landscape characterized by woods, pastures, and the Spinti stream, which flows through the valley. The area offers numerous hiking and mountain biking trails, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the region. The local community keeps agricultural and artisanal traditions alive, with a particular focus on sustainability and promoting local products.