Agliè
Agliè: History and Meaning of the Name
Hello everyone! Today I would like to talk to you about Agliè, a beautiful municipality located in the metropolitan city of Turin. Agliè, also known as ''Ajé'' in Piedmontese, owes its name to two presumed origins: the first deriving from the name of the Roman colonist "Alliacus" and the second deriving from the original castle, which seems to form an open wing towards the East, where the sun rises. The city is located on the site of ''Alladium'', an ancient Roman city, perfectly located on a hilly landscape. The original nucleus was probably located on the hills of the Madonna delle Grazie suburb, already mentioned in some documents dating back to 1019.
History of Agliè
Agliè was initially a castle built to defend the city of Macugnano, and the name of Agliè first appears in documents dating back to 1141. The village became one of the possessions of the counts of San Martino di Rivarolo and Agliè. In 1386, a violent rebellion of the peasants and farmers against the nobles erupted in Canavese, known as the Tuchinaggio, which was crushed in blood by Amedeo VII of Savoy, nicknamed ''Conte Rosso'', but fortunately Agliè did not suffer any damage.
Agliè also suffered from fierce territorial disputes between the San Martino d'Agliè, the Guelphs, and the Counts Valperga, the Ghibellines. Around 1350, the village was looted twice by mercenary troops, who spared only the castle. Emperor Charles IV, in 1355, granted many lands, including Agliè, in fiefdom to the Marquis of Monferrato. However, these events were not enough to put an end to the conflicts between the feudal lords of Canavese, and Agliè suffered continuous harassments and devastations in the following years.
In 1391, thanks to the Savoy, the area was pacified. The people of Alladiesi asked their lords, the Counts of Agliè, for some concessions and privileges in exchange for the loyalty shown during the Tuchinaggio. In 1448, the municipal statutes were granted. The influence of the Counts of Agliè grew and extended to the area of Ozegna, Bairo, Salto Canavese, Torre Canavese, Rivarolo Canavese, and part of Pont Canavese. Agliè suffered damage due to the war between the Savoy and France, in the second half of the sixteenth century. When, in 1561, peace was signed between the two nations, the Counts of Agliè swore loyalty to Duke Emmanuel Philibert I of Savoy.
Illustrious Characters of Agliè
Agliè has been made famous by illustrious characters such as Filippo San Martino of Agliè and Guido Gozzano. Filippo San Martino of Agliè was born in 1604 and from 1630 became lieutenant of the Compagnia delle Corazza of Vittorio Amedeo I of Savoy. At the death of the latter, he left a son, Carlo Emanuele II of Savoy, too young to succeed him, so the mother Cristina of Bourbon-France, daughter of Henry IV of France and Maria de' Medici, assumed the regency of the Duchy. Thus two factions were born: the "Madamisti" and the "Principisti".
Conclusions
In conclusion, Agliè is a municipality of deep charm, located in the metropolitan city of Turin in Piedmont. Its history, its origins and the events it has experienced over the centuries make this village a symbol of strength and resistance, but also of beauty and culture. The presence of illustrious characters such as Filippo San Martino of Agliè and Guido Gozzano makes this place even more significant, which never ceases to fascinate and amaze those who visit it.
