Sources are all silent on the history of Monale before the year 1000. What we do know is that its story unfolds in the shadow of two castles: the first, the most imposing, built out of pride and defence at the summit of the Bricco di San Giovanni; the second, the Bastita, built to maintain the newly subverted power. Around 1160, Monale was under the seigniory of Oberto, son of Amadeo. It is the smallest of the fiefs, but its strategic position makes it a much disputed land. Guelphs and Ghibellines fought each other here. Oberto's descendants allied themselves with the Ghibellines, and resisted until 1305, when the Guelfs razed the castle to the ground, building the Bastita out of wood and faggots to ward off any counter-offensive. In the years to come, the eyes of the wealthy Scarampi family rested on the feud. They would rebuild the prestigious stronghold, later named after them. Therefore, Monale has two castles now: the castle properly known as Castello Scarampi, and the Bastita, which has become a masonry building. And its feudal lords are called Lords of Monale and Bastita. Two factions called to coexist in peace, and other lords would follow in ownership of the feud, until the Risorgimento put an end to the disputes.