The ancient village of Albugnano thrones on the highest relief of the Monferrato – hills, not far from the former italian capital Turin, it’s also called the Balcony of Monferrato, due to its unique view over the vineyards towards the Alps and the South.
Together with the important medieval Abbey Santa Maria di Vezzolano, it lies on the antique pilgrimage routes between Rome, France and Spain.
This also explains the evident architectural influences from France, on this exceptional building. Legend says, that the Abbey of Vezzolano was founded already in 773 AD by Charles the Great.