Although there are documents that have been written by the magistrates of the King’s Ugo and Lotario that date back to 943 and 947, the first news about Montaldeo dates back to the beginning of the 13th century.
During this time Montaldeo belonged to the jurisdiction of the marquis of Gavi.
The particular geographical position and the continuous conflicts for its possession are the reasons why the town was fortified. The town was completely rebuilt in 1271 after it had been destroyed during the Genovese attack in 1224.
The town was then given to the marquis of Monferrato, but in 1431 it was subdued by Francesco Sforza for the Dukes of Milan. |
The construction of the castle began in this epoch. Today its structure stands as an important building with angular towers.
Inside it is exquisitely decorated and it has a collection of ancient weapons. Even the foundations where built in abundance and they enclose hidden underground labyrinths that lead to the prisons.
We must remember that the Castle of Monferrato experienced a sad event that ties it to the name of an ancient family of Alessandria that led its destiny for a long time.
In 1433, Galeazzo Trotti after having fought bravely along side Sforza, he was then given as a sign of thanks and appreciation the feud of Montaldeo. |
The town was poor and had a decentralized construction therefore its economy was in bad condition. This made its inhabitants struggle for survival and the community as well as the lords continued to beg for exemptions and immunity.
The economic crisis made social tensions skyrocket and it triggered the rage of a group from Montaldeo. This group was so furious that they captured Trotti, brought him and his son inside the feudal church and killed them then they entered the castle and exterminated the entire family.
The only one who survived the massacre was a son who was out of town.
This tragic event is still remembered as “the Trotti massacre.” |
