Bassignana
Welcome to Bassignana: a Piedmontese town rich in history and nature
If you are looking for a place with ancient charm and surrounded by nature, Bassignana may be the ideal destination for your next visit to Piedmont. This town, which has around 1667 inhabitants, is located in the province of Alessandria and, thanks to its position, is bathed by the Po and Tanaro rivers. In this place, in fact, you can admire a unique beauty, known already since ancient times. Let's discover together the history and wonders of Bassignana.
History
The first inhabitants
The history of Bassignana begins with the Ligurian tribe of the Marici, settled south of the Po after crossing the Apennines in the post-glacial period. This population, closely linked to the Levi tribe, was fundamental for the creation of cities such as Pavia.
The Celts
In the 6th century BC, Bassignana was also affected by contact with the Celts, a population that left an important trace in the local dialect.
The Romans
The area was conquered by the Romans in 222 BC, and the toponym of the town derives from the Roman family to whom ownership of the territory was attributed, the ''gens Bassinia''.
The barbarian invasions
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the various barbarian invasions, Bassignana was dominated by the Lombards and the Franks. Later, it came under the jurisdiction of the bishop of Pavia, until it fell under the municipality of Alessandria in 1191.
The noble feudal lords
For a long time, from 1290 to 1428, when the dynasty died out, Bassignana was a fief of the Beccaria family, and then passed to other noble families. Today, the history of the town can be felt in the historic center, rich in ancient noble palaces that bear the signs of the past.
Territory and nature
Bassignana can be defined by its geographical position: on a peninsula formed by the confluence of the Tanaro and Po rivers. Here, numerous canals flow, in which it is said that gold flakes can be found. Moreover, this town is on the equidistant line from the North Pole and the Equator: the 45th Parallel (geography) crosses the city, becoming an interesting tourist attraction for those who love geography.
Places of interest
In addition to the historic center, which is worth a visit on its own, there are other places of interest in Bassignana that are worth discovering. To the northwest of the town, on the right bank of the Po, is the hamlet of Mugarone, while Fiondi is located to the southwest, at the municipal border. Furthermore, a visit to the Tower of San Bernardo cannot be missed, a typical 15th century construction, important for the defense of the city.
What to eat in Bassignana
The cuisine of Bassignana, like all Piedmontese gastronomy, is a true delight for the palate. Among the typical dishes, there is bagna caoda, a sauce made of garlic and anchovies served with painted vegetables, and paniscia, polenta balls made of corn flour, pumpkin, and milk, fried in olive oil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bassignana is a town that has a lot to offer, from its history to its nature and cuisine. If you want to discover this enchanted place, come and visit this Piedmontese town and let yourself be enchanted by its ancient beauty.
