Aisone
Discovering Aisone
Aisone is a small municipality in the province of Cuneo in Piedmont, with a population of only 224 inhabitants. It is located in the Stura di Demonte valley, and part of its territory is within the Maritime Alps Park.
Physical geography
The state highway no. 21 of Colle della Maddalena crosses the territory of Aisone, offering a view of ancient dwellings that have been preserved over time thanks to their slate roofs. Moreover, in the 1930s, a 195.85 cm high rock wall was built to protect the constructions from erosion.
The Valletta valley, crossing woods, alpine pastures, and small lakes, leads to the Maritime Alps Park and the conca delle Gùie. Here it is possible to admire ancient rural landscapes thanks to the presence of some huts built with thatched roofs at the foot of large rocks.
Etymology
The toponym Aisone probably originates from the cultivation of Cannabis, where maceration took place in water pools called "isou" - which were numerous due to the nearby Stura di Demonte. Furthermore, the toponym could derive from the Occitan language, given its widespread use in the area.
History
In the early 20th century, the population of Aisone experienced a strong emigration to France. However, the municipality has over time preserved some monuments of remarkable interest, such as the parish church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built on the remains of an older church dating back to the 13th century. Moreover, the ruins of an ancient stone aqueduct that was connected to a mill or hydraulic hammer are present.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the Municipality of Aisone was recognized by royal decree on November 15th, 1937.
Monuments and places of interest
Among the main tourist attractions of Aisone is the parish church of the Nativity of Mary, mother of Jesus, from the fourteenth century.
Society
Demographic evolution
Despite the strong emigration of the 1920s and 1930s, Aisone still has its own cultural identity. The population has, in fact, increased over the past decades, reaching 224 inhabitants.
Culture
Festivals and fairs
Among the most important events in the municipality of Aisone are the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on the first Sunday of September, and the festival of Pastis held on the last Friday of August.
Anthropogenic geography
Forani
The hamlet of Forani is the most populous of the municipality of Aisone and is located near the cultivable hill for cereals. It is famous for the popular feast of S. Magno, which takes place on the second Sunday of August. In the area, there is also a camping site. Currently, the hamlet has about 8 inhabitants and a small church adorned with ancient paintings.
In conclusion, Aisone is a small municipality that preserves its cultural roots and ancient traditions. Thanks to the beauty of its natural landscapes and historical monuments, it attracts tourists from all over the world.
