San Giorgio Scarampi's tower

The tower of San Giorgio Scarampi rises above a small village in the province of Asti, in the heart of Piedmont's Langhe hills. Perched on a ridge with sweeping views over vineyard-covered slopes, it remains the defining landmark of the whole municipality.

Where does the tower come from?

The tower was built in 1323 at the initiative of brothers Alessandro and Bonifacio Asinari, who had fled Asti and sought new footing in the surrounding countryside. An inscription bearing the date MCCCXXIII still survives above the entrance, confirming the moment of construction. The wider castle complex, of which the tower formed part, took shape gradually between 1300 and 1382 — a typical pattern for feudal strongholds in the region, built up over several generations rather than in one campaign.

Ownership of the fief changed hands repeatedly over the centuries. After the Asinari family, it passed in turn to the Sforza, Galeazzi, Salvati, Foresti, Scazzola, Gozani and Gambera families, before eventually coming under the House of Savoy. The name "Scarampi" only entered the records in 1518 — before that, the village was known simply as San Giorgio. The addition traces back to the Scarampi family, influential bankers from Asti who took control of the local estate and permanently attached their name to the place.

What will you see there?

The tower has six floors and a distinctive sloped base that widens toward the ground — a common defensive feature designed to make undermining the walls more difficult. The roof forms a terrace, originally ringed with battlements, from which visitors today can take in views across the Langhe countryside.

Unusually, the entrance was set on the third floor, where the kitchen once stood, supplied with water from a cistern. Traces of a sink and a fireplace are still visible in that room, offering a glimpse of daily life inside the stronghold. Placing the entrance above ground level, originally reached by ladder or drawbridge, was a standard safeguard against assault.

The building underwent a thorough restoration for the 2000 Jubilee, which preserved its authentic, legible form. It's now open to visitors as part of local historical trails through the area.

How do you get there?

San Giorgio Scarampi sits in the province of Asti, within the Langhe region known for its vineyards and rolling landscape. Arriving by car is the most practical option, as the village lies along the road connecting smaller Langhe settlements to the region's larger towns. The tower stands within the village itself, so once you arrive, it's just a short uphill walk from the center.

When should you visit?

Spring and early autumn offer the best conditions, with mild temperatures and the surrounding hills at their most scenic — green in spring, painted in harvest colors come autumn. Summers can get hot around midday, so it's worth planning a visit for the morning or late afternoon instead.

Frequently asked questions

When was the tower of San Giorgio Scarampi built? In 1323, commissioned by the Asinari brothers — a date confirmed by the inscription above the entrance.

Where does the village's name come from? From the Scarampi family, Asti bankers who took over the local estate; the name first appears in records in 1518.

How many floors does the tower have? Six, topped by a viewing terrace that was originally ringed with battlements.

Can you visit the tower today? Yes — following its restoration for the 2000 Jubilee, it's accessible as part of local tourist routes through the Langhe.