The name “Ferraria” appears for the first time in 1034, on a deed recording an exchange of land between the monastery of Nonantola and the counts of Pombia. The first historic records of the feudal lords of Ferrere date back to 1142. Then came the “De Ferraris” family, allies of Asti, who became its citizens and subjects. In the 14th century the Garretti family took centre stage, building Castelvecchio at the beginning of the 15th century and a palazzo in the 17th century, decorated by Filippo Castelli between 1780 and 1785.

The Ferrere area spans seven hills, where most of the population live, after spreading out in the 17th century following a flood. The village lies in the valley where Rio della Battista meets Rio Stanavasso, along what became the road from Villanova to Govone in the 19th century.
The economy is mainly based on farming.

CULTURAL TRADITIONS

Ferrere has two castles, which have been completely altered by later modifications and additions: the old castle of the Garretti Counts and the Castello Rosso. In 1925 professor Emmanuele Montalcini, descendant of the Garretti family, donated Castelvecchio to the town, which demolished part of it to build the infant schools, still in use today.