The history of the Locanda del Sant’Uffizio
A tale from long ago, that starts in the 14th century
It is san ancient building, surrounded by carefully-tended vineyards and graceful red brick villages immersed in the verdant greens and contemplative silences all preserving the atmosphere of its sixteenth century existence as a monastic dwelling. At that time it was in fact an ancient farm belonging to the Tribunal of the Inquisition, answering directly to the Church of Rome.
Here the Dominicans, guardians of the strict rules of the ecclesiastical tribunal, raised silkworms in their lofts and crafted fine wines destined for the Mass. So good were these wines that they excited the envy of the Franciscans, who dwelt in three monasteries in Moncalvo.
The rest is a story many other clerical institutions experienced – carved up by Napoleon, it was later returned to its rightful owners and then abandoned, only to be given new life in the ‘80s, when it became one of the most acclaimed gourmet inns in Piedmont.