Historical Notes

The centre of Canale still preserves the original plan of the ‘villanova’ that the Comune of Asti had designed for it in 1260  to house the populations of various nearby villages (Anterisio, Loreto di Canale, Castelletto d’Astisio, old Canale and other hamlets) after the defeat of the Counts of Biandrate and the rout of the castle lords faithful to the Bishop. The main street with its ‘portici’ (covered arched walkway) and side lanes are typical of the era.

Canale, which was an important cross-roads town during the Middle Ages, remained under the jurisdiction of Asti until 1387, when through a marriage pact, the county of which it was a part passed from the control of the Visconti family to the Orléans family. In 1530, the town came under the control of the Kingdom of Savoy.

In 1379, Canale and its lands were given as a gift to the Roero family, from whom control was gradually leached by the Malabaila family, beginning around 1512. Of the original walls with watch tower that encompassed the ‘villanova’ only the 13th century tower survives, converted into a bell tower during more recent times.

The tower was originally open on its inner part which was closed during the 15th century. Signs of much more recent restoration work can also be seen.