History

This hotel’s history dates back to 500 years ago and, from being a monastery, it has now become a prestigious hotel

The Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Roman and Universal Inquisition, also called Sant’Uffizio, was created in 1542 by Pope Paul III who proclaimed the Licet ab initio Apostolic Constitution. It corresponds to the old Inquisition and is named Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

This ancient house in the heart of Monferrato, is surrounded by vineyards and pretty red brick villages, tucked away in the green hills all around.
These places evoke sixteenth century atmospheres, when the guesthouse was a monastery and belonged to the Inquisition tribunals, venue of the Dominican Inquisitor of Casale, that depended directly on the Roman Catholic Church.

This is where the Dominicans, who defended the strict rules of the ecclesiastical tribunal, used to grow silkworms and produce a very good wine for Mass. It was so nice in fact, that the Franciscans, who were owners of three convents near Moncalvo, were jealous of them.

A part from this, its history is similar to that of other properties of the clergy. Dismembered by Napoleon, who conquered Monferrato after the battle of Marengo, that he won against the Austrian, the property returned to its legitimate owners and became a farming estate. It was then abandoned again but came back to life in the eighties when it was one of the most highly-rated restaurants in Piedmont, famous for its white truffle and selection of wines, among the best in the region, including Barbera and Barolo.