The very name Fontanile, from Fontinali or Fontanilis, meaning “land rich in natural springs", indicates the main characteristic of this area, with the natural springs which ran into rio Cervino and even formed a lake in Valle del Robiano, and a number of marshes. The area comprises clay-based hills between the Belbo and Bormida rivers, the kingdom of the Barbera grape, which makes the most of the excellent lie of the land.
The village lies on the crest of a small hill dominated by the imposing mass of the parish church of San Giovanni Battista.

As in ancient times, the economy of Fontanile is still based on agriculture, and wine production in particular. Unlike the past, when only two species of grapes were grown, namely Malvasia and Nebbiolo, now long gone, today there are several varieties cultivated: Barbera, Dolcetto, Cortese, Moscato d’Asti and Brachetto d’Acqui.
There is also a long-standing Easter egg factory in the village.

CULTURAL TRADITIONS

The parish church of San Giovanni Battista, in an eclectic style with Neogothic overtones, was built at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the efforts of parish priest Don Alessandro Biagio Soave, on the ruins of an older church with four naves, which faced via Maestra and was demolished in 1897.
Some of the historic parts of the original church remain: the bell tower, which dates back to 1525, part of the apse (the altar of the Madonna of Lourdes) with the side portal in stone worked in relief, and the main wooden door, which is now at the side entrance on via Maestra. The building was designed by the Bologna architect Francesco Gualandi, assisted by his son Giuseppe.
In October 1897 the designs were presented to the inhabitants of the village and in November work began on digging the foundations. On Sunday 1 May 1898, in the presence of the Bishop of Acqui, Mons. Pietro Balestra, the first stone was laid. At the end of 1899, the 52 metre high dome, with an internal diameter of 16 metres, went up.
The church was opened on 18 November 1900, with the benediction of the Bishop of Acqui, accompanied by the priests.
TORRE DEGLI ANSALDI
This is the only remaining tower of the four originally standing at the corners of the original walls built around the town in an elongated rectangle, in defence of the “Airali”. There was a second wall built to protect the “Villa”, with two gateways dating back to the 10th century: Porta Ottoniana and Porta Maestra. The door posts and lintels of these two doorways are still present, though much altered over the years.
SANTUARIO N.S. DI NEIRANO, in the hamlet of Croci, dating back to the 14th century.
KEY FIGURES
MONS. ALESSANDRO SOAVE (1865-1945) Parish priest of Fontanile, behind the construction of the parish church.
GIUSEPPE ROBUSTO (1757-?), lawyer, appointed commander of a military corps sent out against Napoleon’s troops, died in battle.
FRANCESCO MIGNONE (1884-1918) Gold medal for military valour, died during the First World War.
FRANCESCO CIRIO (1836-1900) though the records of his birth and christening are in the church of S. Ippolito in Nizza Monferrato, he started off right here in Fontanile, launching his products in Turin, and perfecting his methods of conserving agricultural produce, going on to become a household name throughout western Europe.