Bernolfo of Asti was an Italian bishop who lived during the 9th or 10th century. According to historical traditions, he served as a bishop within the diocese of Asti before being martyred during a Saracen raid in the southwestern Piedmont region. While some records suggest he may have been the bishop Eilulfo, who was killed near Priola around 904, his identity remains a subject of scholarly discussion due to a lack of contemporary documentation. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
Life and death
Tradition holds that Bernolfo was killed during Saracen incursions in the late 9th or early 10th century. Some historians link his death to the year 904, suggesting he was the bishop Eilulfo, who was killed in Priola after territories were entrusted to him by Emperor Louis III of Provence. Although his name does not appear in official lists of Asti bishops, he is remembered as a martyr of the faith.
Veneration
His remains were originally buried near the Ellero river before being moved to the cathedral in Mondovì. In the 16th century, Bishop Lorenzo Fieschi placed his relics beneath the high altar alongside those of Saint Donato. In the parish of Piandellavalle, a chapel in the Church of San Bernolfo is dedicated to him, marking the site where legend says his tomb appeared following his martyrdom.