Bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the Ligurian Alps in Italy is a small medieval village that was once an important outpost of the salt trade into the heart of Europe. Today, nestled in the verdant hills surrounding the village, Garessio is the home of Marchesa Montforte where we provide unique pied a terre accommodation in renovated ancient buildings.
Famous for the San Bernardo waters, the porcini and chestnuts found in the surrounding hills and the mountain herbs and wildflowers found in the mountains above, Garessio is a place of rejuvenation and peace.
Garessio has a history rich in art and architecture. The castle towering above the village was the base of fortification for the walled city. Napoleon and the rulling Savoy family once walked the streets here along with Saracen invaders, the orginal pagan tribes and the Romans from Albenga on the Mediterranean sea, once a Roman outpost. Today, many of the original architecture remains, spared by time due to Garessio's isolation and hills which limited the modernisation of the Borgo Antico. Now a gem in a fast paced and changing world, Garessio offers visitors a chance to return to nature, simplicity and view the past.
Because the village is the nestled in the Ligurian Alps, it provides guests with numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and rock climbing.
Garessio is perfectly located between the famous Langhe wine growing region, the Ligurian wine region and the Italian Riviera. The Tanaro Valley gives guests access to the culinary delights of both the famous Piemonte cuisine and the dishes of the Ligurian coast. Garessio is an excellent base from which to explore this undiscovered corner of Italy.
Marchesa Montforte renovates existing ancient homes to revitalize and reuse the medieval Borgo Antico of Garessio. By converting historical homes into private guest accomodation, we have been able to maintain the architectural and cultural fabric of the Borgo Antico.
We are committed to responsible travel and the sustainable use of existing resources. We offer our guests an alternative to mass global travel and tourism. Instead of being isolated in a hotel dedicated to tourists, our guests become part of the village of Garessio. The cobbled stoned walkways and stone walls become the passageways between guest accommodation. The ancient walled village is at your doorstep. Private guest quarters are scattered throughout the Borgo Antico. Our guests have an authentic experience of living in a small Italian village. All the guest quarters are self contained homes from one bedroom to three bedrooms with full facilities. There is no shared accommodation.
We are committed to:
Providing our guests an authentic travel experience
Providing our guests with quality and value accommodation and services
Protecting the historical and aesthetic character of our renovated accommodation and village
Using sustainable energy and practices
Using local products, produce, artisans, and suppliers
Furnishing with locally sourced antiques
Contributing to community beautification and cultural projects
Our guests are often well seasoned travellers tired of mass tourism. People who value the cultural heritage, built environment and social life of communities they visit. They come to relax, enjoy the food and wine found in this part of Italy, experience the many outdoor opportunites in this quiet valley such as walking and cycling and to slow down, slow travel and enjoy life.
Our guest accommodation is found throughout the Borgo Antico of Garessio. All the guest accommodation has been renovated to retain the orginal character.
Ermitage di Garessio
Ermitage di Garessio is a restored 14th century villa townhouse located in the medieval area of Garessio. The Ermitage di Garessio is furnished with antiques and artwork. With three bedrooms, library and two outdoor balonies with a stunning view of the Ligurian Alps, this is the perfect place to unwind and relax. The kitchen is fully fitted for experienced chefs that wish to explore the regional specialties and high quality produce found in the valley.
www.ermitagedigaressio.com
Casa Marchesa
Casa Marchesa is a one bedroom apartment from the 16th century furnished with antiques and located in the Poggiolo area of Garessio. The apartment would suit visitors seeking an economical holiday home in the mountains with outdoor sports at your doorstep. A large window overlooking the Ligurian Alps provides an exceptional mountain view.
www.casamarchesa.com
Ca di Ram
Ca di Ram is a restored one bedroom apartment from the 10th century. A very large apartment with vaulted terracotta brick ceilings. The bathroom is large with modern fittings. This is the prefect accomodation if you are travelling with children. On a very quiet lane in the Borgo Antico, it has a small grassed courtyard in front. Located on the Salt Road that leads into the gated village, there is easy access to walking trails.
www.wix.com/marchesamontforte/Cadiram
In July 2012 the Terme di Garessio and Salt Spa will be opening. In addition to the local San Bernardo waters of Garessio, guests will be able to select spa treatments using salt, local herbs and wildflowers. The spa is private and only available to guests staying at any of the Marchesa Montforte guest quarters.
The Wine Cellar and Reception is opening April 1, 2012 to guests staying with Marchesa Montforte. There is a wine tasting and private dining room along with a professional kitchen. Here we host special events such as wine tastings, guest chef dinners, and artisan exhibits.
The Wine Cellar and Reception is where guests can collect keys, get touring information, and enjoy a complimentary coffes, teas or local wine. We have comfortable seating and free wifi with computer for guest use along with a large selection of reading material. Across from the reception is our private courtyard where guests can sit outside.
It is in our reception area that we showcase handicrafts by local artisans. With permanent and special exhibits, our aim is to keep alive the mountain crafts and heritage found in the Ligurian Alps.
High up in the mountains surrounding Garessio with a splendid view of the Tanaro Valley is the Tenuta Nascio. On the tenuta we harvest chestnuts, porcini mushrooms along with mountain herbs for use in our cooking dishes and by our guest chefs.
"Garessio is an extraordinary place. Marchesa Montforte's guest quarters are in the medieval area of the village. A good many of the old houses have been brought up to modern standards, and their facades are colorful and a joy to the eye.
I have been living in or visiting Italy for 61 years, and only last year did I discover Garessio. I have family in Porto Ercole, in Tuscany, but I abandoned them and headed north to Piedmont. I loved it. The countryside reminded me of Vermont 50 years ago, except the mountains are much higher, the villages are much older, and there is none of the modern kitsch in Vermont today. Of course, the history of Piedmont/Liguria is surprisingly well-documented into the late stone age, and you'll find reminders of this in Garessio.
There are such wonderful un-touristed cities nearby, all the way from Cuneo and Mondovi to nearby Ceva which will feed you splendidly and delight your eyes. Also, the ancient salt road to the Ligurian coast, with all it's many branches, can bring you to another world in an hour or less.
Marchesa Montforte's accommodations are beautifully done up. They are maintained by their own people. The owner is a wonderfully kind and knowledgeable guide and and can direct your exploration both afoot and by car. I love Garessio but I wouldn't love it nearly as much if I hadn't had the owner's guidance, and, as La Rochefoucault wisely observed, gratitude is a lively expectation of favors to come, so I am counting on access to this wisdom next spring.
Garessio is not on the tourist trail through Italy. That's its greatest appeal. Piedmontese people are very open and welcoming. Even if you don't speak any Italian, you'll find nearly everyone willing to help even if communication must be reduced to gestures, smiles and nods. After all, the greatest monument to Italy, and the reason I count myself American by birth, but Italian in my heart, is the citizenry of Italy. "
-Malcom, San Francisco California
Located between the Ligurian Alps and the Mediterranean Sea is located a small village named Garessio. This is the home of Marchesa Montforte.
Marchesa Montforte
Via Vivalda 8
Garessio 12075
Italy
Email: info_marchesamontforte.com
Copyright Marchesa Montforte 2011 Selected photos by Angie Tan Burns
