A little story about Monferrato:

The lengend says emperor Ottone I, that to express his thanks for a pleasure, calls Aleramo at the Court. He promise him for reward as ground as in three days he can encircle during a horse race.
So Aleramo leaves on horseback, and in his race goes in valleys and mountains. So borns Monferrato.
The 21st March 967, Ottone I gives to Aleramo with a diploma the March of Monferrato.