Arquata Scrivia
The charm of Arquata Scrivia
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Arquata Scrivia, a small town located in Piedmont, halfway between Alessandria and Genoa. With its 6334 inhabitants, Arquata Scrivia is a place that can conquer for its history, its geographical position, and its natural beauties.
The geographical position of Arquata Scrivia
Arquata Scrivia is located on the left bank of the Scrivia river, where the Borbera and Spinti rivers join it. The municipality also extends to the right of the Scrivia and to the mouth of the Val Borbera. Thanks to its position, Arquata Scrivia is a must-stop for those traveling between Alessandria and Genoa, but it is also an ideal place to discover the Ligurian and Piedmontese beauties.
The history of Arquata Scrivia
Arquata Scrivia has an ancient and fascinating history. The village was born in the territory of the city of Libarna, conquered by the Roman Empire in the early 2nd century BC. Thanks to its strategic position, Libarna became the center of a very broad territory, acquiring great military and commercial importance. Between the 5th and 7th centuries, the population abandoned the village to save themselves from the raids of barbarians.
In the 9th century, the village belonged to the Abbey of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan. In the 11th century, Arquata Scrivia was mentioned as a "castrum," that is, as a fortified place, and became the property of the Estense branch of the Obertenghi. In the following years, it was contested by different cities, including Tortona, Alessandria, and Genoa, until it was assigned to Tortona in 1231.
Rebuilt by the Tortonesi starting from 1244, the city developed rapidly and, in 1278, was granted, in fief, to the Tortonese captain Guglielmo VII of Monferrato.
The beauties of Arquata Scrivia
The city of Arquata Scrivia has two distinctly different aspects. Its ancient nucleus, dating back to the Middle Ages, is rich in historical and cultural testimonies. Here we can visit the Castle of Arquata, the Pallavicino Palace, and the Church of San Martino. The area is also perfect for walks and bike rides and to appreciate the beauties of the natural landscapes around the city.
But Arquata Scrivia is also a modern and dynamic city, with numerous shops, bars, and restaurants where you can taste the typical Piedmontese and Ligurian cuisine. The city is also close to important tourist centers, such as Genoa, the Capanne di Marcarolo Nature Park, and the Genoa Aquarium.
Conclusions
Arquata Scrivia is a city that can conquer for its history, geographical position, and natural beauties. Discovering this city means immersing oneself in a world of different and enchanting cultures, between history and modernity, between Piedmont and Liguria. If you have the opportunity to visit this city, do not hesitate to do so: it is definitely worth it!
