Comune San Salvatore Monferrato

piazza Carmagnola, 26 - 15046 San Salvatore Monferrato (AL)
Tel. +39 (0131) 233.122
Fax: +39 (0131) 238.208
E-mail: info@comune.sansalvatoremonferrato.al.it
https://www.comune.sansalvatoremonferrato.al.it/hh/index.php

The fortified city, built in a strategic position on the border with the Duchy of Milan, has a thousand-year history. The Tower, the symbol of the municipality, was built in the 15th century as an observatory and signal point (it was also used by Victor Emmanuel II). The Parish Church of San Martino has an imposing neo-Renaissance façade. The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Pozzo, however, was built following the miracle of the Virgin Mary saving a Spanish soldier thrown into a well. Big Bench No. 91 was installed in a panoramic position.

It was the Ligurians who "created" San Salvatore, who, before the arrival of the Romans, occupied a vast territory stretching between the Po River and the Mediterranean. In the Middle Ages, a castle was built for defensive purposes in San Salvatore atop the highest hill (likely Campanone Hill), to which the inhabitants of the ancient Roman settlements moved. It was commissioned by the Abbot of San Pietro di Breme to defend the city from Saracen invasions. Inside the walls, in a more secure position, the current church of San Martino was built, exactly where the Colonia G. Barco is located today. The fortified city of San Salvatore always remained directly dependent on the Aleramici, Paleologi, and Gonzaga families. In 1708, Monferrato became part of the dominions of the Royal House of Savoy. In 1859, King Vittorio Emanuele II and his General Staff climbed to the top of the Paleologa Tower to observe the maneuvers of the Austrian troops. In 1894, King Umberto I granted the San Salvatore people the title of city. (Text - excerpt - from the Municipality website)

ph credit Alexala archive