Alfiano Natta
Welcome to Alfiano Natta
Hello everyone and welcome to Alfiano Natta, a municipality of only 739 inhabitants located in the beautiful Val Versa, in the heart of Monferrato Casalese. In this text, we will talk about the territory, its origins and history, its symbols, the monuments, and places of interest that you can visit during your stay, and also the local economy.
Physical geography
Alfiano Natta is located at the extreme northwest of the province of Alessandria, about 43 km from the city of Alessandria, in a panoramic position on the southern slope of the Montebaldo hill. The municipality's territory also includes the hamlets of Borghi, Casarello, Sanico, Cardona and part of Casa Paletti, while to the north it is occupied by the basin of the Stura stream and borders for a certain stretch with the Asti area of Moncalvo.
Origins of the name
The name of the town derives from the gentilic Alfius while the second part of the current name derives from the Natta family who had the locality in fief.
History
Alfiano was the feud belonging to a wealthy noble Asti family. The village, initially dominated by the Marquis of Monferrato, was granted to several families, among them the Natta family from 1531 until the last century. On the hill above the ancient village, there are still the ancient ruins of the castle. The town was characterized by the presence of several noble families, often dominant of the entire surrounding area.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the municipality of Alfiano Natta was recognized by a decree of the head of the government on April 7th, 1937.
The coat of arms is inspired by the Natta Marquis (''argent, three red bands, a green cork oak of six branches, ghiandifera of purple, running through''). The gonfalon, granted by royal decree on January 11th, 1940, is a red cloth.
Monuments and places of interest
Alfiano Natta offers several monuments and places of interest to visit, including:
- The Church of San Marziano, dating back to the 17th century, where frescoes by the painter Guglielmo Caccia and his daughters, also painters, can be found.
- The Chapel of San Defendente, where a painting by Moncalvo is preserved.
- In Cardona, next to the Church of Sant'Eusebio, there are two busts dating back to the Roman Empire.
- In Alfiano Natta, there is also the estate of the Razzano Castle, included in the "Open Castles" system of Lower Piedmont. The manor - dating back to the end of the 17th century - hosts a private agricultural estate.
Society
Demographic evolution
The resident population of Alfiano Natta has decreased by two-thirds compared to 1911. Nevertheless, the town offers an excellent quality of life thanks to its unspoiled nature and the tranquillity that characterises it.
Economy
At the end of the last century, cotton and hemp weaving activity was widespread in the town, as well as gravel extraction from quarries (now disused) located on the hills to the north of the town, one of which, near the hamlet of Cardona, is being partially redeveloped as an equipped area. Currently, agriculture, and in particular viticulture, are the main resources of the village. The vineyards cover a large part of the hills of Val Versa and Valle Cerrina, and wine production is a very important item for the local economy. Forage, vegetables, fruit, and cereals are also cultivated. The town also hosts sulphosaline-iodine water springs in the Tròglio and Are localities.
Conclusions
Here is a brief report on the town of Alfiano Natta, a quiet and charming town, where you can immerse yourself in the unspoiled nature of Monferrato Casalese and taste the typical products of its excellent viticulture. We are waiting for you for a visit that will not disappoint you!
