Acceglio
Acceglio: a small village surrounded by the Cozie Alps
Hello everyone!
Today I will talk about an Italian village located in the Cozie Alps, in Piedmont: Acceglio. With its 158 inhabitants, this municipality in the province of Cuneo is located in the last valley of the Maira valley, surrounded by high peaks that are part of the Cozie Alps, sometimes exceeding 3000 meters like Brec de Chambeyron. Acceglio's position makes it an important border location, so much so that it has been the scene of military clashes over the centuries.
Origins of the name of Acceglio
The name of the village may derive from the Latin ''ad cilium'' or from the pre-Celtic forms ''ocelum'' or ''oscelum''. The meaning of the name seems to be "place up high". The first time Acceglio is mentioned with its current name is in a document dated 1028. The document was a list of lands in the Maira valley donated by the Marquess of Turin to a monastery in Caramagna.
The Middle Ages of Acceglio
At the beginning of the 13th century, Acceglio became part of the possessions of the Marquisate of Saluzzo. It constituted together with the twelve municipalities of the upper Macra valley a kind of free republic. Formally, the community recognized the protection of the Marquis but maintained a relative independence thanks to the Franchigia and the rights that derived from the "good customs". In the 16th century, the municipality became part of French domination, becoming one of the most important centers of Calvinism.
With the pretext of the spread of Calvinism, Duke Carlo Emanuele I of Savoy took possession of the territory. After death sentences, sieges, and popular uprisings, he managed to force part of the population to abjure and the irreducibles into exile. Some years later, the Duke assigned the village to the Taffini family of Savigliano. Despite the turmoil and devastation of the past, Acceglio has maintained its medieval layout intact.
The border position of Acceglio
Since ancient times, most of Acceglio's relationships took place with the transalpine valleys. In 1753, the Savoy intendant complained about not being able to put an end to the "fraudulent trades" exercised by the approximately 2,000 inhabitants of Acceglio at the time "because there are too many roads that lead out of the village". Acceglio's position on the border has often been considered only on the occasion of military clashes. Acceglio was the scene of clashes during the Franco-Spanish War and during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1940, alpine artillery climbed to the Colle del Maurin to counter French troops. In 1944, Italian partisans and French maquis met in the hamlet of Saretto to sign an alliance treaty.
The treasures of Acceglio
Acceglio is a true pearl of the Maira valley. The village is surrounded by unspoiled nature and stunning peaks, offering the possibility of long excursions and outdoor activities. Winter sports enthusiasts find here ski slopes and lots of fun in the snow. But Acceglio is not just nature and sports. The village is also rich in artistic and cultural treasures, such as the Romanesque bell tower, the church of San Pietro, and the Acceglio Castle. The tower of the castle, built in the 11th century, dominates the landscape of Acceglio and is one of the main attractions of the village.
Conclusions
Acceglio is a charming village located in the Maira valley, surrounded by the Cozie Alps. Its border position and its history make it an interesting place for those who want to discover the treasures of the past. The unspoiled nature, stunning peaks, and numerous outdoor activities make it an ideal destination for those who love sports and outdoor life. If you haven't already, I recommend visiting Acceglio and discovering all its treasures. Bon voyage!
