Comune Sala Monferrato

via Roma, 1 - 15030 Sala Monferrato (AL)
Tel. +39 (0142) 486.721
Fax: +39 (0142) 486.773
E-mail: info@comune.salamonferrato.al.it
http://www.comune.salamonferrato.al.it/

The village boasts churches of rare beauty, including the parish church of San Giacomo (which houses three works by Guglielmo Caccia, known as "Il Moncalvo") and the church of San Francesco, which stands at the highest point in the village (offering visitors an enchanting view) and was used as a last resort during wars. The church of San Francesco houses an Infernot.

Walking through the village, you can also see the remains of what was once the ancient castle of the local lords.

The Nanni Ricordi Museum celebrates the talent, passion, and humility of the legendary music producer, who chose to call Sala home in 1989.

Leaving the village and heading towards Ottiglio, following provincial road 37, near the church of San Grato, we find the Big Bench of Sala Monferrato, located in a panoramic position.

Since 2014, along with eight other municipalities, Sala Monferrato has been included in the core zone of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Monferrato degli Infernot," part of the "Vineyard Landscapes of Piedmont." The Infernot is a small underground chamber entirely carved into the rock, usually accessed from the cellar. In these small chambers, constant temperature and humidity, the absence of light, ventilation, and noise, once ensured ideal conditions for storing bottles of the finest wine. These unique structures, small architectural gems, testament to ancient rural knowledge, are found only in Monferrato. They were built between the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century by locals who carved into the bare rock with pickaxes and chisels, according to their taste. Each infernot is different: circular, square, or rectangular in plan, with multiple chambers or a corridor. The bottle storage areas are continuous levels, steps, or niches; the wall finishes can be more or less smooth or naturally cleft. Many have a central table carved into the rock, friezes or embellishments.