Battifollo
Discovering the Municipality of Battifollo
Hello everyone! Today I'll talk about Battifollo, a municipality in the province of Cuneo in Piedmont with about 213 inhabitants.
Physical geography
This delightful village is located on a hill overlooking the Mongia Valley and the upper Tanaro Valley. The territory extends between 600 and 1121 meters above sea level, reaching the imposing Bric Ciarandella. Battifollo is surrounded by chestnut groves, woods and meadows, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers.
Origins of the name
The name Battifollo derives from the term used in medieval times to indicate the defenses built with rudimentary materials such as ditches, wood, stones etc. that were found along the ridge where this tiny village now stands.
History
The first fortifications of Battifollo date back to the 10th century and were subsequently transformed into a castle. In 1203, a feudal investiture document mentions for the first time the castle of Battifollo and the settlement called ''Battifollum, sive castrum ultra Tanagrum''. From the 13th century, the castle was part of the Marquisate of Ceva which administered it until the 18th century. In 1928, the municipality of Bagnasco administered Battifollo until 1947. It is worth noting that a certain Roberto, born in Battifollo in the 13th century, was one of the first followers and companions of St. Francis of Assisi.
Symbols
The Municipality of Battifollo received its coat of arms by decree of the President of the Republic in 2000.
Monuments and places of interest
In the center of Battifollo is the parish church of San Giorgio, a magnificent eclectic and mannerist style building designed by the architect Giovanni Battista Schellino. The church, built between 1872 and 1886, boasts a pinnacle on the facade, baroque side doors and a large interior space with a Doric order in a central plan.
Military architecture
The castle of Battifollo, dating back to the Middle Ages, is located in a dominant position. Inhabited by the Marquis Ceva of Battifollo until 1792, it was occupied by the French troops of General Jean Mathieu Philibert Sérurier in 1796 during the Italian campaign commanded by General Napoleon Bonaparte. The French troops plundered the castle and dismantled it, as was the case for most of the other fortresses in the area. Today, the castle retains a massive square base tower with the remains of the ramparts and part of the perimeter walls. On the heights of the village, in what is now called "bric della Bastia", a battle took place in which the local population was involved. The trenches of the battlefield are still visible.
Conclusion
The Municipality of Battifollo is an ideal destination for those who want to spend a day immersed in nature and breathe in the history of the place. The castle and the church are architectural works of great historical and artistic interest. If you haven't already, I recommend visiting this charming village!
