Cantalupo Ligure
Cantalupo Ligure: a municipality in the province of Alessandria
Cantalupo Ligure is a municipality located in the province of Alessandria, in the Piedmont region of Italy. With a population of 516 inhabitants, it extends to the right of the Borbera stream, in the high Borbera valley. The municipality is also known as Cantalov in the Piedmontese language and Cantalòvvo in the Ligurian language.
The history of the municipality
The Borgo Adorno Castle, located within the municipality of Cantalupo Ligure, was once the fiefdom of the Spinola family. In 1518, Tolomeo Spinola died without legitimate children. Having no heirs, he decided to make the children of his friend Agostino Adorno his heirs. Towards the end of the 17th century, the castle suffered damages due to a landslide. Marquess Luigi Botta Adorno then decided to demolish the ancient castle and build a new noble palace.
In 1863, the municipality of Cantalupo changed its name to "Cantalupo Ligure" after the Italian unification, as there were already two other municipalities with the same name in other parts of Italy. The hamlet of Pertuso was the site of one of the most important episodes of the Italian Resistance. In August 1944, a partisan group from the Cichero Division and a group of local farmers armed with hunting rifles held their ground against a substantial contingent of soldiers from the Wehrmacht, the National Republican Guard, and the Mongols for three days. The battle marked the beginning of the partisan presence in the valley, which became one of the most important bases for the partisans in the hinterland of Genoa. Today, a monument has been erected in honor of the Pinan-Cichero Division in the hamlet of Pertuso.
The attractions of Cantalupo Ligure
Cantalupo Ligure offers many attractions, including the natural beauty of the Borbera valley and the hiking and mountain biking trails. The parish church of the village, dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, is another attraction boasting ancient history. The town square is also a place to stroll and enjoy the beauty of historic buildings.
Traditional celebrations in Cantalupo Ligure
Like many other Italian municipalities, Cantalupo Ligure celebrates its patron saint every year. On July 16, the festival in honor of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is held. During the celebrations, religious processions and cultural events are organized, including concerts and gastronomic events.
Life in the municipality
The municipality is currently administered by Pierluigi Debenedetti, from the civic list "Together for Change." The hamlets present in the municipality of Cantalupo Ligure are Arborelle, Besante, Borgo Adorno, Campana, Costa Merlassino, Colonne, Merlassino, Pallavicino, Pertuso, Pessinate, Prato, Semega, Strappasese, and Zebedassi. Cantalupo Ligure is classified as seismic zone 3 and has a degree day of 2778. The population of Cantalupo Ligure is mainly composed of Cantalupesi.
In summary, Cantalupo Ligure is a picturesque and peaceful municipality that offers natural, historical and cultural beauties. Its ancient history and the battle of Pertuso in the Italian Resistance make it a place rich in culture and tradition. The quiet life in the municipality and its administration attentive to changes make it an ideal place to live.
