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How to get there: Highway A26 Genoa-Alessandria exit at Ovada.
Castelletto is one of the oldest towns of the Ovada valley.
The first settlement occurred in Castelvero which is an ancient Roman stronghold. St. Innocenzo was the first church built between 314 and 342 and it was constructed on top of the ruins of a pagan temple.
In the 9th century a small castle by the Marquis Obertenghi of Parodi was built.
Towards the middle of the 13th century the Marquis of Monferrato built the present day castle, where in 1488 St. Catherine of Genoa stayed.
The castle was then rebuilt in the 17th century.
Castelletto was surrounded by a castle wall with 3 doors. A second castle wall reached an area adjacent to the castle that was further fortified, otherwise known as Ricetto.
During the Napoleonic period Castelletto d’Orba became part of the province of Novi Ligure. In 1859 the province of Novi Ligure was abolished and the town became part of the province of Alessandria.
The town developed around the castle and along the Arbaria and Albedosa Torrents.
The historical center has narrow alleys that lead you to the hill around the castle. Recently its infrastructures have been restored and this has made it a preferred tourist spot for those who love the beauty of nature and history.
Castelletto d’Orba is famous for its thermal waters and the cultivation of grapes that produce fantastic wines of the Alto Monferrato area.
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