Camo
Camo: the pearl of Piedmont on the hills of Belbo
Camo, also known as ''Camo'' in the Piedmontese language, is a hamlet of the municipality of Santo Stefano Belbo, in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont. This locality, once an autonomous municipality, was incorporated into the municipality of Santo Stefano Belbo on January 1st, 2019.
Physical geography
Camo covers an area of 3600 hectares, located at 485 meters above sea level. Dominated by the hill on which the church, bell tower, and town hall stand, this hamlet of Santo Stefano Belbo offers a panoramic view of the Belbo stream valley and the Alpine arc. The landscape of Camo is characterized by vineyards.
History
Camo has an ancient history and was Olderic Manfredi's dominion, which was granted to him by Otto III of Saxony in 1001. Over the centuries, it was part of Monferrato and later of Asti. The castle of Camo was the fiefdom of the most politically powerful feudal families in the Langhe region. From 1324 to 1631, the village was under the jurisdiction of the marquises of Monferrato.
Religious architecture
The church of San Pietro in Vincoli is the main religious monument in Camo. Located at the top of the hill, it overlooks the entire village.
Demographic evolution
The population of Camo has steadily decreased since the end of the 19th century, from 1416 inhabitants in 1881 to 189 at the end of 2011.
Economy
Vineyard cultivation is the main economic activity in Camo. Most of the production is made up of Moscato, but Langhe Freisa and Dolcetto are also cultivated.
Administration
The list of administrations that succeeded in the former municipality of Camo until December 31st, 2018, is available on Wikimedia Commons.
In conclusion, Camo is a hamlet of Santo Stefano Belbo that represents a beautiful challenge for visitors who love nature and history. The architectural monuments, vineyard cultivation, and panoramic view of the hills of Belbo offer unique leisure opportunities.
