Standing to the right of the river Po, this town has always been considered a strategical point for the Piedmontese plain. It was a much sought-after possession for the dynastic military forces which fought over the centuries for the Monferrato and the whole of Piedmont, and is now an industrial, commercial and agricultural centre.

The original “Casale” (group of houses) of Sant’Evasio can still be visited in the middle of the town huddled around the cathedral and the town hall. The first settlement here grew rapidly due to its location on the banks of the river, and it is now one of the most important links between Piedmont and Lombardy and the Ticino Canton in Switzerland. The monuments and works of art that can be seen here span an entire history from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and Baroque, right up to the marvellous 19th century Theatre, where major theatrical and musical events are held.