The place name refers to a 3rd-century AD Roman fortified settlement built during the reign of Emperor Aurelian, reinforced by the Byzantines in the 6th century.

Between the 12th and 13th century various families led the administration of Campo, until the year 1329, when it becomes a small fief within the Holy Roman Empire, surrounded by the territory of the Republic of Genoa.

In July 1600 the Republic of Genoa increased control of the small enclave, banishing any local opposition to its rule.

In 1805 the town, then called Campo Freddo, was included in the French Empire of Napoleon I; after the 1815 Congress of Vienna it became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia.

The first shop was opened in 1884; then in a short span of time the town became the national center for this precious artistic production.