Neive: past, present and future

Neive’s historic centre was formed by terracing a hill for settlement while preserving fertile agricultural ground. A fortified settlement and castle arose around the year 1000, partly in response to Saracen incursions. The castle was partially destroyed by Asti forces in 1274 and passed through several owners before Commendatore Luigi Rocca demolished its remains and built a summer residence beside the tower.

Urban development culminated during the 18th century. A major change followed the opening of the Cavallermaggiore–Alessandria railway in May 1865: commerce, crafts, the weekly market, religious services, medical care and schools moved toward the valley, contributing to the decline of the hilltop centre.

Later administrations and renewed interest in intact historic places reversed that trajectory. Literature, music, industrial design, restaurants, grappa, wine and the village’s four denominations contributed to a tourism-led revival, with wine becoming a principal engine of recovery.