Torre Campanaria di Monforte d'Alba

The bell tower of Monforte d'Alba is a medieval structure that became the campanile of the parish church of Santa Maria and later the town's civic clock tower.

Why it matters

The tower's changing roles trace the history of Monforte from feudal stronghold to parish community and civic centre. It survived the demolition of the church of Santa Maria, preserving a rare architectural link to the village's medieval and religious past.

What to notice

The quadrangular shaft is the oldest part of the tower, while its pointed Gothic crown gives the skyline a distinctive profile. A Baroque-decorated niche at the base was discovered during restoration and is associated with the tower's former use beside the parish church. An underpass in the square preserves the date 1622 and relates to the earlier church complex.

Context and history

A church of Santa Maria is documented in Monforte in 1223. The tower began as a watchtower of the town's early lords and was later incorporated into the church façade. The Comune was granted the right to install a public clock, giving the bell tower a civic role. The church was demolished in the early twentieth century, while the tower survived. Restoration in 1985–1986 prepared it for continued use as the town's public clock tower.