Bergolo
Bergolo: a small but full-of-history municipality
Bergolo, or Bèrgoj in Piedmontese language, is a small municipality in the Langhe region, located in the Cuneo province in Piedmont with only 58 inhabitants. Although Bergolo is a very small municipality, it has a history dating back to ancient times, making it fascinating like many other Italian municipalities. In this article, you will discover more about the history, art, and demographic evolution of Bergolo.
Physical geography
Bergolo is located in Alta Langhe Orientale at 616 meters above sea level on the right side of the Bormida di Millesimo, with an extension of only 3.11 km² and is the municipality with the smallest surface area in the province. Despite its remote location, it is about 93 kilometers from Cuneo, the capital of the province.
History
Although Bergolo has been inhabited since ancient times, the first certain news dates back to 1091, when the village was part of the territory of the marquis Bonifacio del Vasto. Over the centuries, Bergolo passed under various noble families, including the Marquis of Savona, the Del Carretto family, Bonifacio Minore, Marquis of Ceva and Cortemilia, and many others. Finally, in 1532, Bergolo passed under the dominion of the Dukes of Duchy of Savoy, where it remained until the unification of Italy.
During its history, Bergolo suffered numerous invasions and revolts, leaving as the only trace a castle built in the early 13th century.
During the 1960s, Bergolo experienced a difficult situation with the loss of much of its population due to emigration to cities. However, starting from the 1970s, the village had a demographic growth, thanks to tourism, the creation of public works, and the restoration of ancient houses maintaining the typical stone architecture.
Monuments and places of interest
Bergolo boasts a historic center that houses dozens of works of art (murals, paintings, and sculptures) that create a unique and fascinating urban landscape. The works of art are the result of the competition "Bèrgolo: paese di pietra" (Bergolo: stone village) devised by Mayor Romano Vola in 1993.
The medieval rural village of Bergamaschi is located on the border between Bergolo and Torre Bormida and represents an example of an ancient rural village.
The Ezra Pound Memorial was built-in 2003. It is a panoramic space characterized by nine large stones painted by artist Beppe Schiavetta, with a small amphitheater intended to host theatrical performances, concerts, and other events.
Religious architecture
In the municipality of Bergolo, we find two very important churches: the cemetery chapel of San Sebastiano and the Parish Church of the Nativity of Mary.
The cemetery chapel of San Sebastiano dates back to 1100 and was built in the Romanesque style. It has recently been restored and brought back to its original lines.
The Parish Church of the Nativity of Mary dates back to 1632 and preserves a precious "Madonna with child, Saint Anthony of Padua, and Saint Sebastian martyr" by an anonymous painter.
Society
Demographic evolution
The territory of Bergolo is not rich in natural resources and communication with the rest of the country is still relatively poor. These factors have always hindered the demographic growth of the village, which has never reached 300 units. Today, however, Bergolo has also become a holiday destination that has generated an increase in the stable population, as well as that related to tourism.
Conclusions
Bergolo is a dive into Italian history, a very small village but with a beautiful history, with a unique historic center full of works of art that make this village a fascinating place. Bergolo offers its inhabitants and tourists a unique experience that deserves to be lived.
