Casale Monferrato

Town in Piedmont region, northern Italy, on the River Po; population (1991) 39,000. Industries include cement and textiles, and there is a large trade in agricultural produce. It was the capital of the duchy of Monferrato 1435–1708, and was heavily fortified. There are several ancient churches and palaces, and the cathedral dates from the 11th century.

The town was once noted for the manufacture of barrel organs.