Located in the Bormida di Millesimo river valley, this village’s name could derive from the ancient Salocetum or Saloxetum, from salices, the Latin for willow (the tree appears on its coat of arms). But Saliorum Situm, meaning the place inhabited by the ancient Ligurian Salyes people, is more plausible.
The first settlement dates from before the 10th century.
The people of Saliceto have two nicknames: cere faze (“false faces”) and maza-previ (“priest killers”).
The village is reached via a scenic road which winds through lush hazelnut groves.
The medieval castle is located at the edge of the village. Its original structure dates back to the 13th century. Originally its purpose was purely military; it was surrounded by a moat and had a drawbridge, which was later replaced by a stone ramp.
Towards the end of the 15th century it was modified or perhaps completely rebuilt and turned into a noble residence, gradually losing its defensive characteristics.
Indeed a century later the castle had its current appearance.
Of the interior rooms, the Armoury, decorated with scenes from the life of Christ, is particularly worthy of note.
