Cairo Montenotte
Cairo Montenotte: a picturesque municipality in Liguria
Cairo Montenotte is a municipality located in the province of Savona, in Liguria, with a population of about 12,660 inhabitants. The city is the main center of the Bormida valley and the fourth largest municipality in the province. Furthermore, it is the most populous municipality in Liguria without a seaport. The municipal territory is the second largest in the province of Savona and the fifth in Liguria. Cairo Montenotte is also fortunate to have a significant cultural and historical heritage, as it is the birthplace of the Italian patriot and writer Giuseppe Cesare Abba.
Physical geography
The municipality is located inland of Savona, in the Bormida valley, and is the most important and largest in the entire Ligurian Bormida valley. The urban area extends along the left bank of the Bormida di Spigno, with an average height of about 340 meters above sea level. The highest peaks barely exceed 800 meters altitude. The Adelasia Nature Reserve, established in 1989, houses the cave of Olmi, which is located at 620 meters above sea level.
History
The name of the city derives from the Latin term "cairum", which means "stone" or "rock". The Bormida valley has been inhabited by man since the Neolithic period in northern Italy, and there are numerous archaeological findings of various artifacts dating back to subsequent eras, such as arrowheads, spears, axes, and so on. Probably, before the Roman conquest, the valley was inhabited by the population of the Ligurian Statielli.
After the conquest of the territory by the Roman Empire, the Bormida valley was crossed by the Via Aemilia Scauri, which put the cities of Tortona and Vado Ligure in direct connection. The "Canalicum" or "Calanico" station was located in today's Cairo.
Culture
Cairo Montenotte has a significant cultural heritage, thanks to its historic center that preserves the atmosphere of the medieval city. Among the architectural works to visit are the church of San Giovanni Battista, the church of Sant'Agostino, the church of San Bernardino, the church of San Rocco, and the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. In addition, there is the Archaeological Civic Museum, where artifacts dating back to the Roman and medieval periods are preserved.
The city is also famous for being the birthplace of the Italian patriot and writer Giuseppe Cesare Abba, author of "The Expedition of the Thousand" and "History of Carlo Alberto".
Economy
The economy of Cairo Montenotte is mainly based on agriculture and handicrafts, with the production of cheeses, olive oil, and wine from the area. In recent years, the tourism industry has grown significantly thanks to the municipality's goal of promoting the cultural heritage of the city and the importance of its territory.
Events
During the summer period, there are several events and festivals in the city. The patronal feast of San Giovanni Battista, on June 24, is the most important event of the year, with fireworks and a religious procession. In addition, there is the festival of local flavors held in August, where visitors can taste typical products of the area.
Conclusions
Cairo Montenotte is a picturesque town in Liguria with a significant cultural and historical heritage. The surrounding area offers the opportunity to take walks and excursions to discover the beauty of nature. The city is also an ideal destination for food and wine lovers, with top-quality typical products from the area. Furthermore, it is an ideal place for those looking for a bit of tranquility away from the chaos of the city.
