Saffi Crawford

Casale Monferrato is a town in northwestern Italy with a long history stretching back to Roman times. Originally a Gaulish settlement, it became a significant trade and manufacturing hub. Over centuries, it served as a capital for various ruling houses, including the Palaiologos and Gonzagas, and was fortified as a strategic stronghold. The town played roles in numerous conflicts, including the War of the Mantuan Succession and Italian unification wars.

In the 20th century, Casale Monferrato developed into an important industrial center, particularly known for cement production, earning the nickname "cement capital of Italy." However, its industrial past is also marked by a significant environmental disaster linked to an asbestos cement factory, which led to extensive litigation and international attention. The town's historical center features notable landmarks, including its Roman forum site, the Duomo, and various churches and palaces, reflecting its rich architectural and cultural heritage.

The origins of Casale Monferrato are somewhat obscure, with evidence of a Gaulish settlement named Vardacate and later a Roman municipium. By the 8th century, it was under Lombard rule and associated with Saint Evasius, whose cult led to the town being known as Casale di Sant’Evasio by 988 AD. Under the bishops of Vercelli, it later gained freedom and fell under the sway of the Marquess of Montferrat, eventually becoming its capital. The town experienced periods of conflict and rebuilding, including being sacked in 1215 and fortified in 1220. It was also briefly controlled by the Visconti of Milan before returning to the Marquesses of Montferrat. The Gonzagas of Mantua later fortified the town significantly in 1536, recognizing its strategic importance as a fortress.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Casale Monferrato transformed into a major industrial center, driven by the discovery of extensive limestone deposits in the surrounding hills. It became renowned as the "cement capital of Italy," being the first Italian city to develop industrial cement production, leveraging the local Monferrato marl. This period of industrial growth also saw the establishment of an Eternit factory, which produced asbestos cement from 1907 to 1986. The operations of this factory resulted in a severe environmental disaster, causing widespread illness and death from asbestos-related diseases, leading to significant legal battles and international media coverage.

The historic heart of Casale Monferrato is Piazza Mazzini, built on the site of the Roman forum. This square is dominated by an equestrian statue of King Charles Albert. Key religious sites include the Lombard Romanesque Duomo of Sant'Evasio, founded in 742 and rebuilt in the 12th century, which stands on the former site of a Roman temple. The church of San Domenico, begun in 1471, features a blend of late Gothic and Renaissance styles. Via Lanza is known for the Krumiri Rossi bakery and the 17th-century church of San Giuseppe. Via Saffi features the Torre Civica, an 11th-century brick tower that was rebuilt and heightened after a fire in 1504. The church of Santo Stefano, with origins dating to the early second millennium, showcases Baroque and Neoclassical elements, housing works by various artists. Palazzo Ricci di Cereseto, a Neoclassical building, also contributes to the square's architectural landscape.